Miriam Martin

Adult Career Center Graduate Excels as Administrative Assistant at the Elyria Foundry

Miriam Martin, Computerized Business Technology, Class of: 2007
When the company Miriam Martin was working for downsized, she found herself without a job and with a family to support. At a crucial turning point in her life she turned to the JVS Adult Career Center for help.

“I knew I needed to find another job and I didn’t want to end up working on an assembly line or in a fast-food restaurant,” stated Martin. “But at that point, I really didn’t have the skills to do much else.”

“Meeting with Terry Brennan, the instructor of the Computerized Business Technology Program (CBT) at the Adult Career Center changed my life!” stated Martin. “Terri took the time to listen as I explained my situation; she understood that I needed to acquire marketable skills in a relatively short period of time.”

After some thoughtful consideration and prayer, Martin enrolled in the CBT Program in September of 2006. The CBT Program is a comprehensive office training program which helps students earn their Microsoft Office Specialist certification.

“When I started the program I was very uncomfortable around computers,” stated Martin. “But Terri helped me conquer my fears; she made time for each student, explaining procedures, teaching all facets of the Microsoft Office Suite, and assuring us that we would master the skills and succeed.”

About halfway through the 10-month program Martin had acquired the skills she needed to land a part-time job at the Elyria Foundry Company as a receptionist.

“I was looking for full-time employment, but when the job at the Elyria Foundry Company became available, the JVS Career Services Office and my instructor encouraged me to take it to get some related work experience under my belt. The flexibility of the CBT Program enabled me to work part-time as well as complete my classes.”

It was a sound decision. Impressed with her work ethic and computer skills, the company offered her a full-time position as a Receptionist/ Administrative Assistant in August of 2007.

Martin’s job responsibilities include answering phones, directing calls, managing incoming and outgoing mail, preparing all types of documents and spreadsheets, internet information retrieval, and emailing. “The CBT Program gave me the skills and confidence I needed to succeed in this high-tech work environment.”

“Looking back over the eighteen months, I now realize that loosing my job was really a blessing in disguise,” affirmed Martin. “I was forced to make some important decisions about what I wanted to do with my life. I was very fortunate that the Adult Career Center was there to help me find my way.”

“My instructor ‘s thorough knowledge of the curriculum, her compassion and her willingness to give each student the individual attention they needed is what I liked best about the program. The program’s flexibility and small class size was also very appealing to me,” stated Martin.

“I never realized how much the JVS Adult Career Center had to offer until I took the time to look through its catalog. I’d recommend the Adult Career Center to anyone looking to start a new career. I’m so glad it was there to help me achieve my career goals.”