Success Stories

Dear Work Certified Academy,

Within a month of completing the Work Certified Academy course I have had three firm job offers in one week’s time. I believe this would not have happened without the fine program offered and the dedication from all of your staff.

Your continued efforts in helping me edit my resume, and set up my portfolio after completion of the class were invaluable, and shows the level of interest you take in the success of your students. The increase in my confidence level in job searching and interviewing was immediately apparent to people around me, and obviously was noticed by prospective employers.

I have accepted a position that offers a great deal of career and income growth potential.

I wish to thank your staff and instructors for their excellent instruction and support

in the classroom and encouragement in the continued use of your facility for job search

activities. Because of the efforts put forth by you and your personnel, I feel that if I

should ever find myself unemployed in the future I will never be alone at such a difficult

time in life.

Please feel free to share my story with any past, present or future students. I am confident

that they will benefit as I did from your excellent course material and support.

Again thank you.

Sincerely,

Harry W

Automotive Service Manager

Work Certified Academy helped me hone old skills, and learn new job searching techniques that

focused my search and allowed me to find a new position utilizing all of my abilities. The program

instructors helped me create a resume that sold every aspect of me a complete employee.

Take the class, but above all else return to the office after the class concludes. Work in the

computer lab, talk to the instructors for advice and prepare for interviews. Treat the Work Certified

Academy office like your place of employment until you find a job. I cannot overstate the

positive impact the Work Certified program and instructors had on my life and my career.

I go to work at a major company that rewards hard work, treats me with respect, provides great

benefits, and I can see the Pittsburgh stadiums from my office window!

James B

Corporate Attorney

Karen Meighen

I was laid off from my job in a mortgage services company in December of 2008. At first, I was dubious that I could benefit from participating in the Work Certified Academy. I knew "everything" about finding a job!

A month later, I realized the bleak job market for financial services workers. I had nothing to lose, so I went to the orientation seminar in January to find out what Work Certified Academy had to offer.

I was impressed by Bridgett Nobili as she spoke to us unemployed persons who came to the orientation. She was upbeat, and explained how the program has helped scores of persons all over the country. This is not a "fly-by-night" program.

A week later, I joined the class of 16 persons with a wide variety of backgrounds, white collar, blue collar and pink collar. The class camaraderie was ignited immediately.

Bridgett Nobili was friendly, patient and informative as our instructor for the two weeks. The curriculum included resume and job interviewing, work and business ethics, brush up on math and grammar etc. It was amazing to learn how simple easy things could ruin a job interview. I really didn't know "everything" about finding a job!

Bridgett saw something in me that I never knew existed. She suggested I consider becoming a Paralegal. At the time, I really didn't know what a Paralegal did or was. I had assumed it was just a fancy name for an "office girl" at the attorney’s office. That couldn't have been further from the truth.

I did a little investigating, using the instructions as given to me on the CareerLink website. The investigation led me to the Duquesne University Institute of Paralegal Studies. When I attended the open house at Duquesne, I had learned the extent of the duties of a Paralegal. This seemed to be a wonderful opportunity, if only I could get accepted.

Per WCA instruction, I had a copy of my resume with me (always have it handy!). I gave it to the counselor and explained that I was in the financial services industry for 18+ years. It brought tears of joy to my eyes when she told me that I could get accepted.

However, I had to produce documentation on my employment, along with 3 letters of reference. I was determined to get everything needed for admittance to the program. Having the opportunity to study at Duquesne was like finding a gold mine in my eyes.

The end result was I was accepted to the Duquesne University Paralegal Institute. If it weren't for the advice and support from WCA, I don't know if I would have even tried to get accepted.

Tips given at WCA that helped me get into this program:

Dress for success. I was not dressed to wash my car at the Duquesne open house!
Always have copies of your resume with you. The counselor at Duquesne was more receptive upon seeing my credentials.
Be persistent, but don't be a nuisance. It is hard contacting former employers for recommendation letters, I would phone and/or email every other day.
Back up service: use of WCA’s computers, fax machine and photocopier.

Most importantly, I would never have even tried to get into this wonderful educational experience at Duquesne University without the support and encouragement provided by Bridgett Nobili and the staff and students at Work Certified Academy.

I highly recommend Work Certified Academy to anyone who is unemployed or underemployed.

Other Quotes

"After taking time off to raise my family, I decided to return to the workforce. I had a lot of apprehension due to the time span I was off and the changes that had occurred in the workplace.

The Work Certified Academy not only taught me valuable skills but gave me the confidence to believe in myself and the qualifications that I have. The modules presented in class have been extremely helpful. Everything that was taught I have put into play especially the interviewing skills.

Not only was the class beneficial but the staff was friendly and helpful even after class was completed. I believe in this program and I have told everybody–my kids, family, and friends. I am currently interviewing and am confident that I will find a perfect fit. I am so glad I did this for myself. Work Certified Academy is the go to people for me."

—Sandy W.