Customized Employment Success Story - Mike

Kaplan is a leading provider of educational services and test preparation, and serves a large and diverse population of students. After talking with the local manager, the career specialist was able to put together a list of tasks that took key personnel away from other crucial practice tests, they frequently forget to erase their answers. This required the staff to take extra time to check practice tests to be sure they were clean of any answers. These practice tests also needed to be filed. Additional identified tasks included: collating new customer folders, greeting customers, directing customers to the restroom, and inventory and replenishing materials.

Based on the information gathered, the career specialist knew Mike would be an asset to Kaplan. Mike enjoys working independently, has the dexterity necessary for fine motor tasks, has good attention to detail, in addition to good customer service skills. Mike is a 34 year old gentleman who has never held a competitive job. Based on Mike's Positive Personal Profile, the career specialist also knew that Mike would need to avoid a high-pressure, deadline-oriented environment. Fortunately, the environment she observed at Kaplan was relaxed, nurturing, and conducive to learning. The probability of a successful match in this case was very high.

As a result of careful observation, identification of specific employer needs, and matching those needs with Mike's skills, he is currently working for Kaplan as a part-time permanent employee.