Melissa Marcus knows what it’s like to struggle finding work. After she graduated college, she took some time to have a family and stay at home to raise her daughter. But when it was time to enter the workforce, it was difficult to find a job.
“It was a struggle. I looked for a full-time job for a year and a half,” said Marcus. “I tried working through a temp agency and the very first position I interviewed for was with Goodwill.”
And after three months on the job, the day after her contract ended, her supervisor hired her on as a full-time case manager for the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. Today, Marcus continues to help individuals find the best career options for them in her role as a FastForward Career Coach at Virginia Western Community College.
“A big part of my job as a FastForward Career Coach is learning how to work with students and employers, and connecting those two groups so students can get hired and employers can fill their openings,” she said.
On a daily basis, Marcus serves as the first point of contact for students. If you live in the Roanoke area, she’s on the other end of our contact form on this website, helping to answer questions about funding support and helping people figure out what career pathway is best for them.
“FastForward programs are short-term investments for long-term outcomes,” she said. “We have tons of financial assistance available for almost any circumstance, and any students, and we do a really good job with connecting students with that support.”
If you’re interested in pursuing workforce training, reach out through our contact form and say “hello.” Our FastForward Career Coaches are eager to help you create a roadmap to a better future.