The path from education to a fulfilling career is rarely a straight line. For one Orange County college graduate, uncertainty about her next steps led her to reconsider her plans. Unsure if she should return to school, Clio decided to explore a local workforce upskilling program, and it provided the direction she needed to find, and follow, her calling.
A Future Uncertain
After graduating college with a liberal arts degree focused on film and animation, Clio spent the following year working part-time at a craft store to make ends meet. While creative work remained a passion, she began to reflect more deeply on her long-term goals.
“I realized I valued stability more,” she shared. “And I knew it might be harder to build that stability in the arts.”
Forging a New Path
Clio began researching new career paths and, interested in healthcare, considered returning to college. But another option appeared during an online search: Orange County United Way’s UpSkill OC workforce development program.
“I had heard about workforce upskilling programs, so I was curious,” said Clio. “I learned that UpSkill OC helps people who are underemployed or unemployed, and I was underemployed so I applied.”
The Turning Point
Clio was accepted into UpSkill OC’s pharmacy technician training program. The timing mattered. She was approaching the age when she would no longer be covered under her parents’ health insurance and needed a pathway into a career with growth opportunities and reliable income.
“I needed to get my foot in the door,” Clio explained. “The pharmacy technician program felt like the perfect way to transfer my retail skills into healthcare, and it was short enough to complete before I aged out of my parents’ insurance.”
From Underemployment to Stable Career
Clio left their retail job and committed fully to the six-month program. Shortly after completing her externship, she began applying for jobs. Most of the openings she found were per diem positions, but during one interview at a local community hospital, something unexpected happened.
“They were impressed and offered me a full-time role as a pharmacy technician instead,” Clio said proudly.
Today, Clio continues to learn each day in her position, grateful to work in such a supportive environment.
“I was nervous at first, but everyone has been so nice and helpful,” she shared. “It’s a smaller hospital, so I get to learn at my own pace and really observe how everything works.”
Reconnecting with Passion and Peace
Perhaps most importantly, the career stability Clio once worried about has allowed her to reconnect with the creative passions she feared she would lose.
“I still love art and drawing,” Clio said. “Ironically, I actually have more time for my hobbies now than I did working retail because I’m not constantly stressed about stability anymore.”
That peace of mind has transformed daily life.
“With this job, I don’t have to worry as much about how I’m going to pay bills or what I’m supposed to do with my future,” Clio explained. “I can actually enjoy things again.”
Expanding Possibilities Through Workforce Upskilling
Beyond technical training, UpSkill OC introduced Clio to resources and opportunities she didn’t realize existed.
“At the time, I thought I’d probably have to go back to college again,” Clio said. “But the program showed me there are so many other pathways that are completely doable once you find them.”
Additionally, the support extended beyond her own experience. Their twin sister, who is currently in nursing school, was also worried about losing health insurance coverage. Through conversations with UpSkill OC staff, they learned about available community resources and were able to help her sister enroll in Medi-Cal.
“Orange County United Way staff helped explain what resources were available and how everything worked,” Clio said. “That support made a huge difference for both of us.”
Advice for Others Considering Career Training
For those who may feel uncertain about their future, Clio emphasizes that asking for help is nothing to be ashamed of.
“Some people feel embarrassed about needing extra training or support,” she said. “I felt a little of that too. But there’s nothing wrong with needing help or coaching to move forward.”
She encourages others to explore workforce development programs even if they are unsure where to begin.
“UpSkill OC offers so many resources,” Clio said. “Even if one specific program isn’t right for you, the staff can connect you to opportunities and services that help point you in the right direction.”
Just the Beginning
Working in healthcare has also opened Clio’s eyes to the many career possibilities available beyond what she originally imagined.
“I’ve been surprised by how many different roles exist in a hospital,” she said. “Everyone is willing to share their story and explain their pathway. Once you get into the workforce, you realize there are so many more possibilities.”
For now, Clio is focused on continuing to learn and grow in her current role, with the possibility of pursuing more advanced pharmacy technician opportunities in the future.
Looking back, she is grateful for the opportunity that changed the direction of her life.
“Thank you,” she said. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without this program.”
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Our UpSkill OC workforce development program supports underemployed and unemployed adults as they move from unemployment or low-wage positions into long-term, livable wage, middle-skill occupations. These jobs require more than a high school diploma, but less than a four-year degree.
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As part of Orange County United Way’s United for Financial Security initiative, UpSkill OC works alongside other programs like OC Free Tax Prep and SparkPoint OC to create brighter financial futures for local families.
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