Melaad Naseer, a 20 year-old refugee from Iraq whose family resettled in Dearborn, Mich., was determined to find steady, meaningful work, and eventually go to college. Following her sister’s advice, it wasn’t long before Melaad found ACCESS, where she was able to learn more about the opportunities available to assist determined jobseekers in finding employment.
“At first I was nervous, but my sister pushed me to go. She always encourages me to be strong and not to be afraid,” says Melaad.
Bolstered with the confidence she needed by her sister’s pep-talk, Melaad visited ACCESS’ Employment and Training Center, where case workers introduced her to a youth-focused training program made possible by ACCESS, the Southeast Michigan Community Alliance (SEMCA) and Bank of America.
“ACCESS’ case workers told me that the training would help me attain the skills I would need to find, apply and interview for a job. They reassured me that the trainers in this program would take as much time as I needed to clarify my questions and make sure I understood everything,” says Melaad.
Driven by the desire to connect young job seekers to 21st century skills and help them achieve financial stability and success, Bank of America contributed the grant funding necessary to make these trainings possible for Melaad and other motivated youth. Through the training, Melaad received intensive instruction on presenting herself confidently during her interviews, preparing job applications and her resume and searching for available employment effectively.
“Lots of people don’t know what it really takes to find work. That’s why trainings that give youth the knowledge and skills they need to succeed are so important,” says Melaad. After the training, ACCESS helped Melaad identify an employment opportunity at Detroit Metropolitan Airport, and, with the help of her newly acquired skills, she quickly secured a three-day probationary trial in a clerical position. Impressed by her strong work ethic, Melaad’s supervisors quickly made her a job offer.
With well-earned confidence in her ability to achieve her goals, Melaad has set her sights set on the future. “Eventually, when I finish my studies, I want to work as a pharmacy technician,” she says. She also offers some words of encouragement for those unsure if these trainings would be right for them, “Give these trainings a try. If you like it, stick with it. It’s worth the effort.”
