What recent Career Skills Program alumni are saying

Naomi, Prescott

[After Career Skills I received] my Small Business Management degree I then pursed and achieved my Automotive Management degree. I now work full-time for Affinity RV, formerly York RV, as a warranty clerk. I also am now an adjunct faculty member of the college! I teach an Automotive 100 class on Saturdays. It is a basic automotive class. I teach how to change oil, air filters, belts and hoses and teach about all the systems of the car.

Bill, Cottonwood

I was told about the Career Skills Program when asking about going to college in the fall of 2004, and felt that it would be a smart move. Learning to operate a computer for the first time in my life has to be the greatest feeling that I've experienced in a long time. The course helped me get over my back-to-school jitters, gave me confidence and let me know that anything can be accomplished if one really wants to learn.

Sandy, Prescott Valley

I decided to participate in the Career Skills Program to update my skills to get back into the working world since I had been retired for approximately 10 years. For me, the most beneficial part of the program was not only updating computer skills but the opportunity to work, learn and communicate with a diverse group of people.

[During the program] you receive a good education in the use of basic computer applications, i.e., MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Internet, Publisher; become aware of your learning style; prepare resumes; and learn interviewing and communicating skills. The instructors are an extremely important part of the program because they not only have the knowledge, but enthusiasm and concern for the students.

Susie, Chino Valley

I had been out of work for about a year and when I resumed applying for jobs it seemed everyone wanted you to have computer skills. I had not done much with computers and knew none of the Microsoft Office software. So I signed up to get the computer skills. I found out that it offered much more.

This program is for anyone who is considering going back to school after being out for a while, going back into the work force, wanting to find a new career, and just isn't sure how to go about it. The students who come into this program can be a bit intimidated by the enormity of change in their lives, but during this course they gain a clear idea of what they need to do and confidence to do it.

Tom, Sedona

Since finishing the Career Skills program in the summer of 2003, I have been a full-time student at Yavapai College. I have been carrying a full schedule, applied for and was accepted into the College Honors Program and have maintained a GPA above 3.75. This semester I am completing my requirements for the Computers in Business Certificate. I continue to take computer classes selected to fulfill the requirements of a Computer Technician Certificate and an Associate Arts Degree in Computer Systems and Analysis.

I would describe the program as an opportunity to learn inter-personal skills and the challenges of the job market in today's economy. It gives you the chance to reset your personal compass, renew your resume and be exposed to the challenges and opportunities presented by the personal computer.

Belinda, Prescott Valley

I attended Career Skills in May of 2003. I was employed for 13 years with the same employer. When I decided to quit I didn't know what I wanted to do. At my previous employer I had hired 3 women who had been through Career Skills and was impressed with their knowledge and work. The most beneficial part of the program was the resume/application practice. I am currently employed by the Prescott Valley Chamber of Commerce. I use my communications skills the most, closely followed by computer skills.

Donna, Dewey

I was a stay-at-home mom and needed a job immediately, but thought I didn't have any employable skills. I had never used a computer when I started the Career Skills Program. I was very shy and a loner. I thought that I was way too old to go to college. The instructors in the program assured me that being a stay-at-home mom gave me lots of skills to list on my resume. I really struggled learning computers and speaking in front of the class, but the instructor's positive attitude and constant encouragement gave me the fortitude to carry on. I fell in love with computers and with knowledge, and I continue to take college classes.