JACKSON TAKING FUTURE IN HER OWN HANDS BY UTILIZING JOB CLUB

Savannah Jackson feels she has the right formula for success education and motivation.

Shes working on both.

Jackson, 19, of Paintsville, will graduate in December from Big Sandy Community and Technical Colleges (BSCTC) Medical Information Technology program. In the meantime, she has partnered with the Big Sandy Area Community Action Programs Johnson County Job Club to sharpen her skills in hopes of landing a job once she graduates.

Its one thing to have the skills to do a job, but its something totally different to know how to go after those jobs,amp;rdqrdquo; said Jackson, who was on hand at a job fair on Wednesday, April 20 on the Prestonsburg campus of BSCTC. The event was a collaboration between the college, the Kentucky Coal Academy, Eastern Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program, Inc., Kentucky Career Center JobSight and the Big Sandy Area Community Action Program.

The weekly Job Club meets every Tuesday at the Paintsville Recreation Center. At these meetings Jackson can not only network with other likeminded individuals seeking employment, she also learns techniques to successfully land a job. An added bonus, is utilizing the clubs network with area employers.

Its amazing what I have been able to learn, said Jackson. I feel like I am getting a better understanding of what employers are looking for and how I can connect the dots of my education and work experience to meet their needs.

Sandy Grimm, a career advisor with Big Sandy Area Community Action Program, said participants like Jackson make her job worthwhile.

Seeing a student that is working on her education and thinking about job placement months before they graduate is rewarding, she said. Its why we are here.

Jackson said her goal is to find a job in her career field and to help those who have helped her along the way.

Its been a journey, and I am almost there, she said. With the help of everyone around me, I know I can do anything I put my mind to.

To learn more about BSCTCs Medical Information Technology program, contact Pam Sykes at (606) 218-1258 or email pam.sykes@kctcs.edu.

The Johnson County Job Club meets every Tuesday at 11 a.m. at the Paintsville Recreation Center. For more information, contact Sandy Grimm at (606) 789-3641.