Shirley graduates from Avivo’s career training after lengthy unemployment, and gets the job

Editor’s note: We spoke with Shirley the day before her job interview, the day of her graduation from Avivo’s training program, and we’re happy to share that she was hired!

“I’m ready for the interview I have tomorrow. I’m gonna get this job.”

Shirley is interviewing tomorrow for a professional administrator position at a staffing company, and believes this will be the moment she ends years of chronic unemployment. Her self-confidence has grown alongside her skills since she entered, and then graduated from, Avivo’s Business Computer Applications Specialist training program.

“Avivo staff all treated me like family, and went beyond the call of duty. Now I’m gonna use my skills… Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.”

An acquaintance first told Shirley about Avivo’s career education program, suggesting that Avivo’s courses could be just what she needed to build her computer skills and resume.

At first Shirley struggled, doubting her abilities. She needed an extra push from her instructor to find success.

“In the beginning I said ‘I ain’t gonna be able to do it,’” recalls Shirley. “My instructor said ‘Yes you can,’ and stayed with me after class to help me. Avivo staff all treated me like family, and went beyond the call of duty. Now I’m gonna use my skills… Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.”

Shirley says encouragement from trainers and career counselors inspired her to spend extra time studying, and soon she started telling herself that she had to understand the course material – that there wasn’t any choice.

“I’m ready for the interview I have tomorrow. I’m gonna get this job.”

Gradually, she started seeing improvement. She started to understand programs in the Microsoft Office Suite, and also learned how to write a resume and interview for a job.

Now, with Avivo’s help, she feels more capable than ever and is ready for her first post-graduation job interview.

“Shirley radiates a positive energy that will be an asset to any employer,” says Mary Senger, career navigator at Avivo. “I’d be surprised if she didn’t get that job she’s interviewing for.”

“[My career counselor] helped with my resume, and helped with interview preparation,” says Shirley. “If I get the job that means I have conquered my fears.