From Pizza Crew to Office Professional
Anna came to the GST Michigan Works! Owosso Service Center in May 2025 seeking a more stable career path. At 22, she was a high school graduate with no post-secondary education or certifications and a work history of part-time, low-wage positions in food service and at car dealerships. When she connected with GST Michigan Works!, she was working part-time as a crew member and delivery driver at a local pizza shop – a temporary role she took to pay bills and build savings while she searched for a long-term opportunity. Despite the job’s challenges, Anna consistently showed up early, took on extra tasks, and was known for her professionalism, strong work ethic, and excellent customer service. During this period, she was staying with family while striving to become self-sufficient and secure a full-time career that would allow her to live independently.
Though unsure what was in store for her, Anna knew her endgame. She wanted to find a career that interested her. With that goal-driven mindset, she walked into GST Michigan Works! After meeting with the JMG coach and taking steps to assess her needs, a discussion began immediately about the value of Paid Work Experience (PWE) opportunities. With the help of a Workforce Innovation and Opportunities Act (WIOA) Out of School Youth (OSY) funding and her Career Coach, Anna began applying at places with the potential of getting work experience training there.
After applying at several locations, the City of Owosso HR Director interviewed her for an office position and expressed an interest in hosting her paid work experience. Anna was excited about the opportunity and was able to get everything completed to start her new position on 5/29/25. During the experience, Anna received help from WIOA funds to assist her with mileage and other support. In her downtime, Anna worked diligently to learn everything she could, including the completion of Essential Customer Service Skills through the WorkKeys Curriculum.
After the first few weeks, Anna’s supervisor stated, “She is a very hard worker; she asks for more work when she anticipates that she will have everything done. She is dependable, and her work has been above average. She’s been great.” At her 30-day evaluation, her supervisor stated that she continued to perform above-average work and was learning various aspects of the job, including working through difficulties that arose. At her 60-day review, she again received high commendations in every area, and her supervisor shared that they were interested in hiring her directly once she completed the work experience. Eager to get established in an office career, Anna began looking for potential employment opportunities with other organizations, as well.
Anna’s paid work experience was completed on 8/27/25. Her above-satisfactory performance led to her being offered an Office Assistant position with the City of Owosso, which she gratefully accepted. She was hired directly, earning a great wage, 35 hours a week, with benefits starting the next day! Her hard work, resilience, and confidence transformed even the humblest beginnings into a powerful success story. Anna walks with great pride and purpose around the City of Owosso. She has now become a trusted member of their team and is often praised for her cheerful attitude and a job well done.
She expressed appreciation for this amazing opportunity and the support that she received in getting to where she is today. Anna’s story is just beginning!