In 2019, Frank Hwang was looking for a change. He had been working as a server at a local restaurant, and increasingly felt motivated to transition from a job to a career. By spring of 2021, Frank completed not one, not two, but three HBAS programs! He now has certificates in our Accounting Clerk, Administrative Assistant, and Data Entry Clerk programs.
When the timing was right to take a step in a new direction, Frank heard about the Huntington Beach Adult School. A friend was planning to attend HBAS and told him about our Career Technical Education (CTE) Programs. After attending a free information session, Frank enrolled in the Administrative Assistant program.
Frank hit the ground running when he started at HBAS in August 2019. He figured out early on that he could do multiple programs. Frank explained, “I noticed most of the core classes were the same” for the Accounting Clerk, Administrative Assistant, and Data Entry programs. He decided to take advantage of this overlap to “increase my chances of getting hired.”
Microsoft Office Applications Instructor Tracy Foremen was impressed with Frank’s computer skills and willingness to help other students. She reflected that “he was quick to find solutions and would often show me other ways to efficiently work on the computer.”
In the course of his studies, Frank especially enjoyed the Accounting Clerk classes. While he was familiar with the subject matter in the other programs, accounting was all new to him. He learned a lot from instructor Esther Nguyen, from basic accounting practices to more specific topics like QuickBooks and payroll accounting. Frank “sees a lot of potential for longevity in the accounting field.”
Of course, Frank had no idea a global pandemic would arrive in the midst of his program. At first, he was worried that classes wouldn’t continue. Fortunately, HBAS quickly adapted in-person classes to an online format, and Frank kept moving through his studies.
During his time at HBAS, Frank appreciated that the teachers in all three programs “were eager to help and responded quickly to emails.” Teachers and support staff “were great about following up along the way.”
Once Frank earned his three certificates this spring, he dove headfirst into his job search. Frank worked closely with Job Developer Arlene Flores to update his resume and prepare for interviews. He also attended Arlene’s Working Fridays Webinar, where he connected with a KIMCO Staffing representative and set up an interview on the spot. Frank has “gotten in touch with several staffing agencies, and they connect me with positions they feel like I could do well in.”
Quiet by nature, Frank has been nervous (as most people are) throughout the job interview process. Going into interviews, he has remembered the advice of HBAS teachers and support staff to be more confident. And it’s paid off: within just a month of completing his programs at HBAS, Frank was offered an accounting position at Apria Healthcare!
Ms. Foreman is sure that “Frank will be a great employee for a very lucky company.” We know that with Frank’s determination and willingness to learn, he’ll continue to advance on his career path.