Florida native Evan Etienne knew he wanted a better job than what he had, but he wasn’t sure what that job was or how to get it. That’s when he turned to Job Corps.
At Miami Job Corps Center, Evan joined the Office Administration training program so he could learn the skills he would need to be successful in whatever career he chose. He earned credentials in Microsoft Office Suite on top of improving his typing skills and learning how to write cover letters and resumes to stand out professionally. As part of his work-based learning, he worked in the campus wellness center assisting with intakes.
Evan is particularly thankful for the Job Corps staff on campus and all that they did for him and other students. Staff were quick to recognize and reward hardworking students, and the center director even made time to speak with students personally to make sure they were doing well. Despite the challenges that COVID-19 and social distancing created, Evan says the staff did their best to help students socialize and have a great experience.
“I feel much better knowing I’ve made friends and am able to be independent and interact socially while still being a serious career-person,” Evan said.
Then when Evan set his sights on higher education, center staff provided him with the connections and opportunities to achieve his dreams. He started with community college, attending Miami-Dade Community College to earn his associate degree in pre-law and a business certificate. After that, he aimed even higher. 
Evan applied and was accepted to Columbia University in New York, where he’s currently studying political science. He always dreamed of moving to New York City, so when it came time to transfer to a four-year university, he jumped at the chance. It wasn’t without help, though—Miami Job Corps staff helped him with recommendations for scholarships and references on his applications and even helped him look for somewhere to stay.
“There was every resource available for me to become what I wanted,” Evan said, “and the staff were willing to take my career paths and ideas seriously. … I still receive so much guidance.”
Evan doesn’t plan to stop achieving after he graduates from Columbia, of course. Next, he hopes to pursue a law degree and become an attorney. His ultimate goal, he says, is just to help others—the same way that Job Corps staff helped him on the path to success.
Graduated from Job Corps in: 2021 Employer: Higher education Hometown: West Palm Beach, Florida Phone: 561-344-8793 Email: evanetn18@gmail.com Submitted by: Hannah Purdy Notes:
Source: Lindsey Robbins, Communications Manager, Adams & Associates, Inc.