Angela Schaffer

Angela Schaffer knows firsthand that competing in today's fierce job market requires a lot more than just excellent marketable skills.

"Skills got me in the door, but it was truly attitude, hard work, time management and leadership that made me valuable to my employer," said Schaffer, who turned her temporary job at PNC Bank into a full-time position handling investment accounts.

Schaffer, 52, of Penfield Township began her journey when she enrolled in the Computerized Business Technology Program at the JVS Adult Career Center.

"Prior to seeking out educational options at the JVS, I worked evenings at Geyers Grocery Store in Wellington while I raised my five children," said Schaffer. "But my schedule became too busy and I wanted to spend more time with my family."

"More importantly, I knew I was capable of doing something more challenging and career fulfilling," she continued.

Schaffer had a desire to work with computers and scanned the classified ads searching for employment.

"I realized very quickly that I needed more education along with some industry credentials to get hired," she said. "I thought about college, but the time it would take (four-to-five-years) and the expense pursuing an administrative business degree wasn't feasible for me."

This realization led Schaffer to a meeting with instructor Terri Brennan at the Adult Career Center. Brennan teaches the Computerized Business Technology (CBT) Program.

"Terri was so personable. She cheered me on. I was convinced that this is where I wanted to be," said Schaffer, who was awarded a federal grant to help pay for her tuition. She completed the 9-month training program in 2009.

Schaffer found temporary work through Kelly Services at American Greetings and Fort Deerborn Life Insurance Company performing data entry.

"Full-time jobs were scarce. Temp work was a strategic way to acquire work experience to add to my resume at several different companies," she said.

As an office temp, Schaffer moved around a lot eventually landing a one month assignment with PNC Bank. After her initial assignment was finished, the bank kept extending her contract, allowing her to showcase her abilities, especially the skills she learned while earning her Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Certification at the JVS.

Schaffer's technical and administrative skills earned her a promotion to a full-time support staff position. In this position she reviews contracts, processes data and pertinent information contained in client IRA, 401K and 529 investment accounts.

"Although I didn't have direct investment experience, I felt very confident that I could learn quickly and handle the different assignments I was given thanks to the skills I learned at the JVS," said Schaffer.

"School was challenging. It was busy, but it was worth it," said Schaffer, who is continuing her education through in-house investment classes at PNC. "The time I spent upgrading my skills at the Adult Career Center was a valuable investment in my career."

For more information about the Computerized Business Technology Program, or any other program at the Adult Career Center, visit www.lcjvs.com/adult, or call 440/774-1051, ext. 2254.