Tashianna Jones started a job at TJ Maxx the day she graduated from Joliet Job Corps.

     On March 14, Tashianna Jones left Joliet Job Corps with her trade certifications and high school degree – and a job that started the same day at TJ Maxx.

      She was one of the first group of students to intern at the Joliet store through Work-Based Learning, part of the Career Transition Services. The second group of interns started this week. “While there won’t be jobs for every intern, it’s good work experience for our students, especially those who don’t have other jobs to put on their resume,” said CTS Manager Tashondra Pickett.

    Tashianna, 20, who admits to a weakness for shoes, loves working at TJ Maxx – but her eventual career goal is to be a parole officer. She plans on attending college while working. A non-resident, she got to Job Corps each day through the help of her grandfather, who dutifully drove her back and forth. An only child, she lives with her mom and grandparents and attended Joliet West High School for three years.

   She completed an online high school diploma here, and earned her Microsoft Word certification in Office Administration.

     “I discovered qualities in myself I didn’t know I had here,” said Tashianna. “I’m very happy I made the decision to come to Job Corps.” Her Footsteps mentor is Larry Alexander and she said he was instrumental in “helping me stay focused.”

    Tashianna says she likes meeting new people. Her work at TJ Maxx included doing inventory, processing, putting new inventory out and making sure inventory was where it was supposed to be. “The day goes fast there!” she said. She said it’s fun to see new merchandise come in – especially the aforementioned shoes.