Developing skills opens career opportunities for Customer Service program graduate
Wednesday, December 6, 2023
Marcus Ingles, NICC College and Career Coach, works closely with students enrolled in the Customer Service program to answer questions, identify financial support options if needed and help with job placement and career advancement.
Developing your professional skills in any industry could be just what you need to earn a promotion. It’s what guided Austin Werner, an auto parts counter professional for Parts Authority, to a new Customer Service short-term training program at Northeast Iowa Community College this fall.
Austin completed the program in mid-November at the NICC Town Clock Business Center in Dubuque. A grant from Opportunity Dubuque, a workforce training partnership established between NICC and Greater Dubuque Development Corporation, covered the cost of Austin’s tuition. An Earn While You Learn partnership also offset transportation costs for Austin as he commuted from Cascade to Dubuque each week to attend class sessions.
“I enrolled in the Customer Service program to help build my resume and hopefully get a promotion. The program is just what I needed; I learned how to handle difficult customers better and I enjoyed having a safe and positive area to learn,” Austin said. “I’m planning to return to NICC to take the Professional Sales classes in the coming months.”
The Customer Service program teaches students the skills necessary for delivering clear, concise, effective verbal and written business communications, stellar customer service, problem-solving, decision-making and quality assurance. The Professional Sales program uses lectures, classroom discussions, case studies and role-playing to bring proven sales lessons to life. Students learn how to define target markets, build their brand, develop and maintain relationships, set goals and develop professionally. Both programs award Career Pathway Certificates to graduates.
Marcus Ingles, NICC College and Career Coach, works closely with students enrolled in the Customer Service program to answer questions, identify financial support options if needed and help with job placement and career advancement.
“When Austin first came to my office to discuss the class and tuition assistance options, he was very eager to enroll in our Customer Service program and enhance his skills. He had solid career goals in mind and was looking for an opportunity to achieve them. Fortunately, through our community partnerships, we were able to provide support to address program costs and he completed his training successfully,” Marcus said.
Austin sees new opportunities opening up with the new skills he has gained. “I have opportunities to become assistant manager at my place of employment or to become a traveling salesperson for the company. The program at NICC was a good fit and the staff are super supportive and positive,” Austin said.
NICC offers many programs in the areas of business and hospitality. Instructors are leaders who bring real-world experience to the on-campus or online classroom to prepare students to lead the way in an exciting career or transfer to a four-year college. For more information visit nicc.edu/business.