Exploring the Possibilities: Megan’s Story

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Megan is an employU client with a friendly, upbeat personality and a variety of interests.  Art, pottery, painting, Minecraft, and Sonic the Hedgehog are just a few things she enjoys. So, it should be no surprise that when coming to employU, Megan was interested in exploring a variety of different industries. Though she is inspired to get into the construction field like her dad, she was also interested in learning more about the retail industry.  

Megan’s job coach, Kelly, saw an opportunity for Megan to explore retail while gaining her first work experience through an On-the-Job training with Jaber’s Pharmacy. During her time working a Jaber’s, Megan learned a variety of skills often required within the retail industry. These skills included stocking and organizing merchandise, using a cash register, and pricing merchandise. Kelly also taught Megan a technique for checking her work after stocking and fronting the shelves with product. Throughout the OJT, Megan continued to improve and meet all challenges with a positive attitude.  

One of the best parts of these work-based learning experiences (WBLE) is that participants not only learn industry-related skills, they also learn transferable skills that they will continue to use in a variety of ways and settings throughout their lives. Along with the retail specific skills Megan gained, she also strengthened her skills in communication, critical thinking, and time management. Valuable in any employment setting and throughout many different areas of life, these transferable or “soft” skills are just as important as those specific to the field.  

Megan’s mom comments that through this WBLE, she has seen incredible growth in her daughter. She is excited for Megan to start another WBLE so that she can continue this progress and gain work experience in different environments. Kelly agrees that Megan has really come out of her shell through this experience and has seen Megan really take initiative during her journey thus far with employU. We admire Megan’s ambition and are excited to see what field she chooses to explore next! For more information on our Transitional Youth Program’s Paid Work-Based Learning Experiences visit https://employu.org/youth-paid-work-based-learning/