SOUTH BAY ONE-STOP BUSINESS & CAREER CENTERS
Meet Carolina - Torrance
Workforce Challenge:
Torrance resident Carolina, 24, was eager to capitalize on her recent Communications Degree she had just earned from California State University Northridge, but wasn’t having much success in securing work in her chosen field of marketing and social media.
Workforce Solution:
While working at a restaurant in Redondo Beach she happened to have a conversation with one of their regular customers who had an administrative assistant position open in her Marketing Department at a local school district. She also told her about the job search services that were available at the South Bay Workforce Investment Board (SBWIB). Unfortunately, the administrative assistant position was filled before Carolina could apply. Though deeply disappointed that she wasn’t able to move in to her chosen career path, Carolina kept her self-confidence and decided to move forward and visited the SBWIB’s Torrance One-Stop Business & Career Center.
Outcome and Benefits:
Carolina attended an orientation and was eventually put into the Youth Paid Work Experience program. Her case worker told her about a temporary Marketing & Social Media opening at the Manhattan Beach Chamber of Commerce so Carolina applied and was selected. Upon completing her contract, Carolina was hired full time and given the position of Director of Communications.
“From the start, we had a good feeling about Carolina’s abilities and knowledge,” said Mark Lipps, President & CEO of the chamber. “Her personality and eagerness to learn and serve the public is totally amazing,” he further noted.
Carolina was very grateful for the opportunity she received through the One-Stop Center, noting, “Even in your darkest time, you have to stay strong, be positive, believe in yourself and say yes to opportunities.”