Skills for the 21st Century Workplace -Leanne Guthrie
Leanne Guthrie has been employed in office administration jobs most of her life; in her last position she had successfully moved up the ranks with a local construction company where she became the Office Manager. To her disappointment, she was laid off when the company downsized in April of 2009. Due to the struggling economy and her need to update her skills, particularly around computer technology, Leanne knew it was unlikely that she would find another position. So she came to WorkSource at Lane Community College and decided to join the Walmart Brighter Futures program. Leanne says, “I knew what I needed to do, but I didn’t know how to do it. Walmart Brighter Futures gave me the tools and incentives I needed, and I found that it is very important to learn how to use resources.”
Leanne used the career mapping tools and activities to design a clear map for her future, which ultimately included plans to return to school for the Health Records Technology program. This decision was surprising to her, as she had never thought she would want to go back to school, partially because of a visual disability that makes it very difficult for her to see printed text. With the support of the program, and the resources at Lane Community College she now feels she has overcome the barriers to her academic goals. She is currently registered for her third term of classes for the HRT program, and is doing well in her courses.
In addition to career development activities, Leanne used Walmart Brighter Futures resources to expand and improve her job search skills and strategies. She knew that she would need employment sooner rather than later, so she focused on developing a strong resume and improving her networking skills. As a result, Leanne is now working in the Disability Resources Department at LCC. This part-time job makes it easier for her to attend school. Being in Disability Resources also provides her with assistance and support as a student that keep her successful in her classes. She loves working there and is committed to staying in the position for many reasons.
Leanne says she thinks she should thank her last boss for laying her off because it gave her the opportunity to plan responsibly for her future. She feels that the program made her take a really hard look at what she wanted to do, and that is what moved her life in an entirely new direction.
Leanne says, “When I was laid off I did not have the skills to compete in today’s job market. If I had not participated in the Walmart Brighter Futures Program I would have been stuck in a dead end job for the rest of my life.” The program helped motivate her to get the skills and training she needed. She says that, “Retraining for something I really want to do FEELS GREAT.”
