My Story: Joette Estep

I saw a newspaper ad for Goodwill Industries of KYOWVA Area’s medical office skills training program and felt this was a great opportunity to change into a more successful career for myself.

I was working part-time in the retail industry and was financially and physically stressed when I decided to contact Goodwill’s Career Center. From here, I applied for financial aid and was awarded assistance to help me go back to school. I enrolled in the program in March of 2011.

Being in training at Goodwill Industries of KYOWVA helped me gain the confidence needed to re-enter the workforce and also brush up on my clerical and computer skills, which are so important in this day and age.

As part of Goodwill’s medical office skills program, students complete an internship at a local organization in the medical office setting along with doing their coursework. I completed my internship at Mildred Mitchell Bateman hospital on Fridays starting in April of 2011, and as a result of my work was moved up to working a second, then a third day every week for which I was paid for.

In September of 2011, I was able to obtain full time employment with Mildred Mitchell Bateman hospital doing clerical work in their human resources department. Finding a full-time a job with great benefits has alleviated a lot of my stress, and I am enjoying myself more than I ever have before.

As I have turned 60 this year, I’d also like to remind everyone out there that no matter what, it is never too late to re-invent yourself!

Hear more stories from people like Joette »