Name: Jordan Smith
School: Rio Linda Senior High School
Why/How you became a part of Thousand Strong:
I heard about the Thousand Strong program through my school’s career advisor. She set up an event with the Mayor’s team who explained the program and how to get onboard. I knew that I wanted to join the program because I was already in the process of looking for a job, but I was
What are the key takeaways from what you have learned:
nervous with the idea of having to make a resume or go in for an interview when I had no experience to help guide me. When I learned about the required 40 hours of workplace training I felt that this program would be the perfect opportunity to gain some knowledge and experience that would make me more comfortable when applying for jobs in the future, while also discovering if Business was the right path for my future career.
I think one of my major takeaways from this program is just having an open mindset and being willing to try. I came into this program with no business experience, or even work experience to support me, but I knew that by trying something new, I would be opening doors for myself that I otherwise would have had no access to. Throughout the training and my actual work here at the Metro Chamber Foundation, I’ve completed tasks that originally, I felt nervous doing because I didn’t feel like I had enough experience and knowledge to go off of, but ultimately I recognize the importance of everything I did and continue to do as these tasks will count towards incredible experience in the future.
What has been your favorite part?
Recently I was asked to speak on behalf of the Thousand Strong Program at the Mayor’s State of the City Address. This was an incredible opportunity as it not only allowed me to share my own experience with the program (and hopefully persuade employers to support this youth workforce initiative in years to come) but also allowed me to network with so many people, making connections and gaining experience that can set me apart from other applicants in the workforce.
What career path do you want to pursue in the future?
While I don’t have a specific career in mind, after participating in this program I do know that I would like to pursue a career/degree in Business Administration and possibly economics.
What do you think of Sacramento?
Through the Thousand Strong Program, I have realized how mindful and supportive the Sacramento Region is. Sacramento recognized the fact that young people, like me, don’t have access to the tools that can help us to succeed and because of that, implemented a program that allows students no matter their background to have access to something as important as career development that affects students not only now, but in years to come as well.