CareerPoint equips Young Professionals with Career Skills, Leading to Job Offers

This summer, Lydia Partee, Operation Fresh Start’s CareerPoint Coordinator, led a group of young professionals through the Essential Skills CareerPoint Curriculum: a six-week comprehensive program designed to enhance interpersonal communication, emotional intelligence, and customer service skills. This holistic approach aims to prepare participants not only for their immediate roles but also for long-term career growth.  

The four young professionals, Latange Johnson, Aniyah Clark, Isis Courts, and Tremane Taylor, graduated from the program on July 24. The curriculum covered a wide range of topics, including product knowledge, typing skills, and the importance of customer service.  

The CareerPoint cohort interviews with professional partners at the American Family Insurance DreamBank on July 24.

Lydia partnered with esteemed organizations such as Lake Ridge Bank, Summit Credit Union, UW Credit Union, Johnson Financial, and American Family Insurance to offer workshops that provided insights into company cultures, entry-level positions, and navigating challenging customer interactions. The four young adults interviewed with these companies at the conclusion of the program. 

In addition to workplace skills, CareerPoint also addressed critical issues like workplace harassment, with sessions led by the Rape Crisis Center, and voter education in collaboration with the City of Madison. Participants were also introduced to financial literacy and budgeting through thrifting exercises, further equipping them with practical life skills. 

Reflecting on the program’s success, Lydia noted significant growth in participants' professionalism and confidence. "They had a misconception of what professionalism was," she said.

"I've seen them stepping into their own in terms of confidence, presentation, and communication. They now understand that they can be professionals while staying true to who they are." 

At the program’s graduation, participants were celebrated for their achievements, with many securing multiple job offers. Latange and Aniyah accepted full-time positions with American Family Insurance as Associate Claims Care Center Customer Service Representatives. Isis and Tremaine are still considering their options and working with Lydia navigating their next steps. 

The CareerPoint cohort visiting American Family Insurance.

Participants shared their positive experiences.

"This program changed me tremendously... I realized a lot about myself,” Aniyah said. “The six weeks were worth it."

Tremane Taylor echoed this sentiment, saying, "I feel like this program helped me become a better adult." 

CareerPoint’s impact is ongoing, with Lydia continuing to mentor graduates as they navigate their career paths. The program has clearly made a lasting difference in the lives of these young professionals, preparing them for successful futures in the workforce. 

For more information about future cohorts, interested individuals ages 18-24 with a high school diploma or equivalent can visit the CareerPoint page on OFS’s website and fill out an interest form. Lydia is committed to continuously strengthening the curriculum by collaborating with local businesses to ensure it aligns with industry needs. Future cohorts are planned in various fields, including renewable energy, technology, and healthcare, with the next Healthcare Academy cohort launching in October.