Terri – Graphic Design

Terri, a sole-support parent in her early 30’s, was a recent community college graduate with a Graphic Design diploma. Her graphic design experience, other than college projects, was as volunteer work for a school and a community recreation program. While at Simpressions, Terri, worked on a full range of graphic orders from other Practice Firms, such as a web banner and flyers. She also took the lead on developing a Simpressions product catalogue for posting on a virtual trade show website and entered the poster contest for the Annual Practice Firm Trade Show. At Simpressions, Terri gained the real experience of working to deadlines for internal and external clients, having her work reviewed and revised by managers and creating the concept for several internal initiatives such as graphically enhanced employee name tent cards and a complex Power Point presentation with multiple sources.

Terri worked hard on her resume to incorporate her Simpressions experience and build on her previous customer service experience in a graphically interesting yet business-like manner. She was selected for an interview at a manufacturing company, seeking a graphics designer for its catalogues and other communication projects. Terri was able to present a portfolio of her work to this potential employer, including many items designed while she was at Simpressions. The employer contacted Simpressions, a positive reference was provided, as Terry had demonstrated a cooperative and responsible attitude towards all her work. Terri was hired and began her job within 2 weeks of leaving the Practice Firm.

Ben – Accounting

Ben, a man in his late 50’s, had a good deal of management experience in several countries in the Middle East, primarily in food services management. Due to political change, he had moved, ended up in Western Canada and was unable to secure any meaningful employment in his original or a related field. He had tried convenience store ownership for a time, but the venture was not successful.

Ben had recently completed a course in automated accounting, building on his previous general accounting exposure in his home country. His resume was difficult to focus due to his wide variety of accomplishments in several sectors.

At the Practice Firm, Ben focused his resume to highlight his recent accounting training and his experience in the Accounting Department of Simpressions. Ben worked in all areas of the Department and also acted as a mentor for new employees joining Simpressions. Energized by this activity, he capitalized on his outgoing personality and emerging belief in the power of networking and approached an individual working in management at a major Canadian bank. Ben secured an interview for an entry-level position at the bank’s head office, carrying out monitoring and processing functions in corporate financial services.

Although Ben was skeptical about finding employment when he first entered the Practice Firm, he gradually tried new behaviours, with the support and encouragement of the Specialists. His demonstrated determination and genuine commitment to his field carried him through a challenging process and led to full-time employment.