Tamera

September 2015 Client of the Month

Employer: GAP

Tamera, a student of Evanston Township High School (ETHS), came to Youth Job Center in the spring of 2015 as a participant of the This Way Ahead (TWA) program. This Way Ahead is a new YJC program in partnership with Gap Inc. that features job readiness training, paid internships and follow-up support at Gap, Banana Republic, and Old Navy. Tamera began with no job experience and desired to work in retail. She knew that the job training TWA provided would be a great benefit. Excelling in the job readiness workshops, Tamera felt confident going into the internship interviews and put her new skills to work and was offered an internship at the Gap. 

Tamera was excited about the position and wanted to put her best foot forward, but was overcome with shyness. Taking comfort in work task and avoiding interactions with customers, her managers noticed she needed additional support. The Gap facilitators and YJC staff developed a shadowing initiative to assist struggling interns like Tamera with customer service skills. Through the initiative, she was given customer service objectives to meet each work shift. Shortly after, Tamera told her manager, "I will get my first Gap card today." That day she attempted a new technique.

By complimenting her customers on merchandise and asking if they were interested in saving money on each Gap purchase, Tamera got her first Gap Card! This sent her confidence through the roof. Tamera has become an essential member of the Gap team. No longer hesitant, she enjoys speaking to customers and stands out in providing great service. 

Great job Tamera!