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Jordan, TIPS Program

Jordan Verdin, Burlington High School, TIPS Program

Some students participate in Linking Learning to Life’s TIPS (Training Interns & Partnering for Success) internship program hoping to find out what careers might be suited to them.  Some are looking to gain real world experience and employability skills.  Jordan Verdin, a Burlington High School senior, entered in the program with many specific skills and an awareness of her career interest, graphic design.  Like many other young people, Jordan was looking for the opportunity to practice the skills that she had acquired in school in a real work environment.  She was able to accomplish this at Evolution Physical Therapy & Yoga Studio, Inc.  Working with Marketing and Events Coordinator, Jamie Ebert, Jordan was able to demonstrate her knowledge of Adobe CS5 while creating event flyers, program brochures, and other important marketing material.  She was also able to show her photography skills.  “I already had a background in Adobe but being able to practice and have a purpose for using it was very helpful,” states Jordan.  Many of her skills were learned through a class at Champlain College which she took through LLL’s College Connections dual-enrollment program.

A major part of the TIPS program is a pre-employment skills class.  In Jordan’s experience, she felt that the resume and cover letter workshop, being able to visit different work environments, and practicing interviewing were the most beneficial for her.  “It was great seeing how different work places can be.  At Evolution, it is a very open space, everyone is friendly and knows what they need to get done,” she reflects.  Jamie, Jordan’s internship supervisor, remarked “I was very excited that Jordan had all of these skills and I feel I was able to teach her more practical knowledge about working.”

Not only has Jordan taken college coursework while in high school, but she has also held a job at Bath & Body Work’s in downtown Burlington.  She understands the value of work experience.  “This is definitely more hands-on and meaningful than a class where you just get a grade...I think it’s better to go to college knowing what you want to do,” reflects Jordan about the program. Jordan’s goal in life is to work at Burton Snowboards as a graphic designer.  She is enrolled in the University of Vermont’s Guaranteed Admissions Program (GAP) for the fall to study graphic design.