Feature #24: Joshua Grimes, Head Librarian

Name: Joshua Grimes

Current Job Position Title: Head Librarian

Company Name: Environmental Protection Agency

Contact Information: grimes.joshua@epa.gov

Special skills:
Excellent writer, speaker, and listener, high observant skills, competent with computer hardware/software , and awesome break dancer

Describe your job story:
Contrary to popular opinion, gaining a job as a librarian is an incredibly difficult venture, thanks to older librarians who are firmly rooted in their position, and won’t give it up until they die, or are forced out of their position. Probably both. In the fall of 2008, I graduated from LSU with my Masters in Library and Information Science, and set forth to be hired, somewhere, anywhere. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out so well. I spent all of 2009 being interviewed countless times, by the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System, DeKalb County Libraries (probably for the best), the CDC (Center for Disease Control), and other part-time positions.

I didn’t get lucky till the beginning of 2010, when I received a call from a government-staffing organization who interviewed me for a postion “within a government body”. It turns out that the interviewer knew someone from Fulton County, who passed my name along. As luck would have it, they liked me, and suddenly, I’m on the 9th floor downtown, getting stuck in traffic every morning. And I couldn’t be more thankful.

What did you want to be when you were a child/ teenager?
In this order:
1. Astronaut
2. Cartoonist
3. Radio Personality
4. Librarian

Are doing your dream job?
Not exactly. Being a librarian wasn’t my first, second, or third choice as a career. I originally wanted to be an astronaut, but my…shall we say sucky math skills weren’t up to par. I also wanted to be in radio, but majored in English in college, instead of majoring in Communications or Journalism. Add to that, I wanted to be a cartoonist. That didn’t pan out when I received rejection letters from Syndication outlets. I didn’t get into libraries until college, when I begged the librarians (whom I loved to flirt with) to give me a part-time, non-paying position in the Gov’t library. The finally relented and it turns out that I enjoyed the work. One of them recommended that I look into library school (which I didn’t even know existed), and as they say, the rest is fried history.

What do you like MOST about what you do?

Power. Unrelenting power.

Not really, but it is nice. I like helping people find whatever it is they are looking for. I like meeting new folks, and being a librarian is an awesome way to do so. Finally, I like the freedom to do whatever I wish, largely without control. Being autonomic is a boon of the librarian, and it pays in spades.

What do you like the LEAST?

When people ask “why are you a librarian? Isn’t everything on the internet?”

Well If it was, WHY ARE YOU HERE?

Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

More than likely, still working in Libraries. I’d like to climb the ladder, and be an assistant manager, or even a Manager of a branch. If not, I’ll stand on the side of the road, and hope someone hears my deep, melodic voice.

Are you happy with where you are in life?
Immensely. I couldn’t ask for better. I hate to use the term “successful”, (because it’s so subjective), but I am close to that. Guess I’ll go with “satisfied”.

What more do you want to do with your life?
Defiantly, learn more extracurricular skills. Like, maybe a cooking class, or a kung-fu class, or a world-domination class.

What drives/motivates you?
Above all, knowing that I’m doing what my parents spent thousands of dollars to send me to school to do. Also, knowing that every day, someway, I’m spreading knowledge in some way.

What else do you do?
Only one job at the moment.

What is your advice to those who are seeking employment and have no hope?

Keep trying. Rather than going in guns blazing, try a different approach. Try to meet people that know people, that know their pets, that know their people. In other words, MAKE CONNECTIONS. You’d be surprised how small this world is, and how people know other people. Also, don’t burn bridges, EVER. You never know when you’d need them again. Additionally, try working for free. It’s crazy, but it gets you noticed. I did three different internships before I got my first paying job in libraries. It’s a wild proposition, but it works! Above all, don’t fall into cynicism. It doesn’t help, and makes your life more miserable.

Feature #23: Shaka Lias, Crime Reporter

Name: Shaka Lias

Current Job Position Title: Crime Reporter

Company Name (optional):
The Daily Tribune News

Contact Information: divaofwriting@yahoo.com


Special skills:
I’m a “jacktress” of all trades when it comes to writing. I write poetry, short stories, bios, features, articles, if it tells a story I write it!


Describe your job story (how you got the job, what it takes to do what you do, etc.):
Well I started out at our sister paper, which is a weekly. I got the job eights months after graduating college. Worked at the paper for over two years with hopes of moving to a daily paper. In November 2010, my hopes became a reality and I started at the daily paper as the sole reporter for the crime beat!


What did you want to be when you were a child/ teenager?
As a little girl I wanted to be an actress, I was so dramatic… As a teenager I found my craft for writing and followed that.



Are doing your dream job?
Yes I am, although Law School is calling me…. “Shaka, Shaka, Shaka”

What do you like MOST about what you do?
I’m doing what I love and what God blessed me with the talent to do. There is no other joy in a career than to be blessed to answer your calling and share it with the world.

What do you like the LEAST?
My goodness, covering crime. People are so cruel and do awful things to each other. I’d much rather write about the good people are doing, which occasionally I do. But it’s good to let the public know of what bad people do so they can be aware and most importantly not make the same mistakes. If you commit a crime, eventually you will get caught and I will write about it!

Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
Finishing Law School, while still enjoying my gift of writing through freelance
Marrying somebody’s son and having his baby.

Are you happy with where you are in life?
I’m alive, working in my career and healthy. No complaints here.

What more do you want to do with your life?
I always feel there is something more I can do to make a difference in someone’s life, even if it’s just one person. I want to save at least one person and make a difference in his or her life.


What drives/motivates you?
My daddy. He’s deceased, but he worked so hard to make sure I became somebody and I’m motivated by his investment in me. I know he’s watching so I continue to make him proud.

What else do you do?
Cook, I like to play around in the kitchen! Yums!

What is your advice to those who are seeking employment and have no hope?
Keep the faith…and trust in the unseen and unknown. Also believe in yourself, you know what you are capable of. Never give up on that person who stares in the mirror at you!

Feature #22: Eugene Fuller, Jr., Attorney at Law

 

 

Name: Eugene F. Fuller, Jr., Esq

Current Job Position Title: Attorney at Law

Company Name:

Lister & Holt, LLC
The Fuller Law Firm

Contact Information *OPTIONAL* (Twitter, email...):
attorneyefuller@gmail.com
www.facebook.com/genothelowrider

Special skills:
I am proficient in computers, Microsoft Office, and the legal research databases: Lexis Nexis and Westlaw. I have excellent skills of persuasion; I am a very good problem solver and critical thinker.

Describe your job story:

After passing the GA bar exam, I got this job by applying to their job posting and having a contact on the inside. One of my fellow law school alumni also works for this law firm and I asked him to put in a good word for me. I interviewed twice and was offered the position. IT was definitely a blessing!

As for what it is I do, I am a public defender. I defend indigent clients charged with misdemeanors throughout all aspects of the criminal prosecution (motions, arraignments, trials, etc) in Henry County, GA.

What did you want to be when you were a child/ teenager?

I went through a number of things I wanted to do. I started with a professional football player, then to a Forensic Etymologist, and then Medical Examiner. In high school however, I fell in love with law, particularly Criminal Law and knew that was what I wanted to do. Aspirations I maintained throughout my time at Tuskegee and into law school.

Are doing your dream job?

Yes I am most definitely living the dream right now.

What do you like MOST about what you do?

I love the fact that there is never a dull moment in this profession. I love being in the courtroom and being able to assist people who cannot otherwise afford representation.

What do you like the LEAST?

Indigent clients that I represent seem to be the least grateful.

Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

I see myself as a prominent criminal defense attorney. I also plan to be a professor of law, and eventually getting another doctorate degree, possibly in Psychology. I also want to dive into the Federal aspect of criminal law.

Are you happy with where you are in life?

I am very happy with my current position in life. I wanted to be an attorney by age 25, and I accomplished it.

What more do you want to do with your life?

I want to give back to the community in any way I can. Many of our young people need help and guidance in today’s world.

What drives/motivates you?

The passion to succeed in life, and passion for the practice of law. I have always been one that craves and likes to enjoy the “finer” things in life. So I work hard to obtain what I need, and enjoy what I want. My life motto: “work hard, but play even harder!”

What else do you do?

I am always working to further my own law firm (The Fuller Firm) which I work in my downtime. I love music, I play the piano, guitar and drums along with a host of other instruments. I also love vintage cars (particularly Cadillacs and lowrider vehicles) as well as traveling.

What is your advice to those who are seeking employment and have no hope?

You can never get up hope. The economy is down but there are jobs out there. You must keep your options open. Don’t turn down a job because it is not what you want or not in the location you want. Be willing to relocate if you have to; remember you can always move back later. They key is to break into your field. It’s a lot easier to move around within the field once you have gotten your foot in the door. One the most important part of job searching in my opinion is networking. We live in a world where it’s not WHAT you know but WHO you know. Majority of jobs never even make it to the postings., but are filled through word of mouth and recommendations. Being recommended for a job is PRICELESS. Any chance you can, go to networking events. If you know someone that is working in the field, meet with them, let them know you are looking for a position somewhere and to let you know of something.

Feature #21: Adelia A. Johnson, Staff Assistant

 

Name: Adelia A. Johnson

Current Job Position Title: Staff Assistant with the TriO Program Educational Talent Search

Company Name: Clark Atlanta University Educational Talent Search

Contact Information: Ajohnson@cau.edu

Special skills:

I am skilled in all applications of Microsoft Office, typing at 80 WPM, I am a natural motivator and encourager. I am very positive and have the ability to control the environments mood that I am in.

Describe your job story:

I started in undergrad doing work study with this program from 2003-2006. I then graduated and worked a few jobs. The last job I had I was miserable, unfulfilled, and wanted more. I began fasting and praying in July of 2010. I would go and talk to the Director of my current department and express my interest in coming back full time. In November of 2010 a position opened up, I claimed it as my own and here I am. I not only got the position, but I also will be pursuing my Masters degree in Social Work as of Fall 2011.

What did you want to be when you were a child/ teenager?

I wanted to be a teacher or a pediatrician.

Are doing your dream job?

Not as of today, but my current job puts me in the position to make all of my dreams of changing the world and creating opportunities for others come true.

What do you like MOST about what you do?

 I love being able to learn about grant writing and what it takes to run and operate a TriO program hands on.

What do you like the LEAST?

When things get busy and I can’t digest and learn certain processes of operating the program

Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

Pursuing my PhD and spitting out published writings at least twice a year.

Are you happy with where you are in life?

I am. It only gets better.

What more do you want to do with your life?

Create positive opportunities for others. Encourage others to dream big and do what it takes to make their dreams reality. I want to create the Village that once was. I want to get our world on a foundation of love and operating in will and purpose.

What drives/motivates you?

 God drives me. Dreams motivates me. Change encourages me. Encouraging others keeps me focused.

What else do you do?

I read, write, paint, sing (not to American Idol’s standards, but to shower standards I qualify, Lol), dance, research, and find ways to inspire others. I also love to help others purse their dreams.

What is your advice to those who are seeking employment and have no hope?

Create opportunities for yourself. Think outside the box and talk to people. Don’t judge books by their cover because you never know who you are talking to. Volunteer and express interest to people. They will create opportunities for you.

Feature #20: Imanah, Contact Representative

Name: IMANAH

Current Job Position Title: CONTACT REPRESENTATIVE


Contact Information: YARDIE_GYAL_09@YAHOO.COM

Special skills: I'M GREAT WITH ORGANIZATION.

Describe your job story:
 I APPLIED FOR A JOB WITH THE COMPANY JUST A BIT BEFORE I GRADUATED FROM COLLEGE. I'VE BEEN WORKING THERE EVERY SINCE SEASONALLY THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. AS A GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEE, I KNOW HAVING A DEGREE GETS YOUR FOOT IN THE DOOR WITHOUT ANY EXPERIENCE. EDUCATION IS REWARDED. THE JOBS I HAVE HAD SO FAR OFFERED TRAINING, NO PRIOR EXPERIENCE WAS NECESSARY. I'M ACTUALLY IN TRAINING RIGHT NOW. I WOULD SAY JUST COME WILLING TO LEARN A NEW PROCESS, A NEW WORK ENVIRONMENT. THERE ARE NUMEROUS OPPORTUNITIES TO MOVE UP AND AROUND WHERE I WORK, IN FACT IT IS ENCOURAGED. SOME MANAGERS EVEN PASS AROUND THE WEEKLY INTERNAL JOB ANNOUNCEMENTS. I DON'T FEEL LIMITED WORKING FOR THE COMPANY WHICH IS VERY IMPORTANT TO ME.

What did you want to be when you were a child/ teenager?
I DON'T RECALL HAVING A BIG DREAM AS A CHILD OR TEENAGER. ALTHOUGH, I FAINTLY REMEMBER WANTING TO BECOME A BALLERINA.

Are doing your dream job? NO

What do you like MOST about what you do?
CONSIDERING I'M STILL IN TRAINING, I LIKE INTERACTING WITH MY COWORKERS.

What do you like the LEAST?
I'M NOT SURE THIS IS THE AREA I WANT TO STAY IN, I STILL WANT TO WORK FOR THE COMPANY THOUGH.

Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
I DON'T HAVE ANY SPECIFICS IN MIND AS OF YET...I PLAN TO BE EVEN MORE FINANCIALLY CAPABLE THOUGH. I KNOW MONEY ISN'T EVERYTHING BUT I THINK "WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF IT WASN'T A CONSIDERATION?" I HAVE A POSITIVE OUTLOOK :) .

Are you happy with where you are in life?
 I THINK WHERE I AM IS A GOOD START FOR ME...

What more do you want to do with your life?
I WANT TO BE APART OF SOMETHING GREAT, WORK WITH SOMEONE GREAT REALLY....
What drives/motivates you?
SUPPORTING, ASSISTING, & HELPING OTHERS...I KNOW THOSE WORDS CAN BE INTERCHANGEABLE BUT THEY EACH CONVEY SOMETHING DIFFERENT WHEN LOOKED AT CLOSELY.

What else do you do?
RIGHT NOW I'M GENERATING IDEAS FOR A SHORT STORY, PERHAPS A NOVEL. STAY TUNED... :) .

What is your advice to those who are seeking employment and have no hope? REMAIN FOCUSED ON YOUR GOALS. WHAT SMALL THING CAN YOU DO TODAY TO GET CLOSER TO ACHIEVING YOUR GOALS? SOMETIMES YOU HAVE TO STEP AWAY FROM THE BIG PICTURE AND WORK ON THE INDIVIDUAL STEPS TO GET THERE. DON'T OVERWHELM YOURSELF UNNECESSARILY. CONSIDER A DIFFERENT APPROACH.

Feature #19: Aletha Scott, Chemical Engineer

Aletha and her "babies"

Name: Aletha Scott

Current Job Position Title:
Day Job: Chemical Engineer, Evening Job: Cosmetic Chemist

Company Name (optional):
Audacious Cosmetics

Contact Information:

Twitter @be_Audacious
Email info.audacious@gmail.com

Special skills:
Thinking outside the box

Describe your job story:
I’ve always made cosmetics so starting a cosmetic line was a calculated move for me, not a hobby turned into career. I worked for large and small cosmetic companies so I had the experience to back me up. It was just up to me to take the leap! I majored in Chemical engineering but one doesn’t have to in order to be a cosmetic chemist, you can major in chemistry, biology.. anything.. it’s the experience in formulating that you need, and a bit of an artistic eye.

What did you want to be when you were a child/ teenager?
I wanted to be a scientist and discover my own element ..Alethium… I also wanted to win the Nobel in something.. and I wanted to be a chemist.

Are doing your dream job?
YES! Both of them!

What do you like MOST about what you do?
I am free to formulate whatever I like and there are no restrictions on the ingredients I use. I can use high quality ingredients and sell my stuff for cheap and I wont get fired, because I am my boss!

What do you like the LEAST?
I wish there were more African American female cosmetic chemists out there.. so I can have someone to bounce ideas off of.

Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
Preparing to leave my day job to run my cosmetic line full time.

Are you happy with where you are in life?
Very! I am exactly where I want to be

What more do you want to do with your life?
I want to travel. I want to eat dinner on every continent.


What drives/motivates you?
Knowing that somewhere there is a little girl, playing in her mothers cosmetic bag wondering how it was made. And I could be the one to pave the way for her.

What else do you do?
I cook a lot. I have a blog that I share my recipes: http://thethickvegetarian.blogspot.com/

What is your advice to those who are seeking employment and have no hope?
There is never “no hope” even someone on their deathbed has hope.. and you arnt on your deathbed.. you are just looking for a job.

Feature #16: Florence E. Brumfield, Graduate Assistant

Name: Florence E. Brumfield

Current Job Position Title (ex. Librarian, Teacher, etc.): Graduate Assistant at CAU

Company Name: Clark Atlanta University

Special skills:
Dance ministry, mime, teaching, preaching, type fast, entreprenuer, leadership skills, writing


Describe your job story:
I asked around my department who needed a student assistant and one professor volunteered to let me work for her and I have been moving up since then.


What did you want to be when you were a child/ teenager?
a famous actress, I will still be one just gotta do the will of God in His way! lol


Are doing your dream job?
Yes


What do you like MOST about what you do?
the opportunity to work with students and teach them and discuss lessons with them on a mature collegiate level.


What do you like the LEAST?
every job has its flaws


Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
married, with two books out as NY bestsellers, on TV preaching the gospel, a first lady, and an international business flonea go to flonea.webs.com & to floneamen.webs.com

Are you happy with where you are in life?
yes and im excited about where im going


What more do you want to do with your life?
travel!


What drives/motivates you?
others doing their endevours and meeting ppl who need a lil Jesus! lol
What else do you do?
I am involved in my church, I love to read!


What is your advice to those who are seeking employment and have no hope?
trust in the Lord, understand his timing and seek him about His timing