Wiregrass graduate finds new career hope in down economy


July 11, 2012

Jim Williams Jim Williams
 

Valdosta, GA— Upon losing his job of over 25 years with the J.H. Harvey Co. Distribution Center in June of 2006, Jim Williams was devastated. He felt he had received a good severance package and could draw unemployment for a time, but what was he to do after that.

In January of 2006, Williams began preparing for the future by enrolling in accounting classes at what was then Valdosta Technical College. He completed the diploma program and graduated in July of 2008. Unfortunately, the economy was on a steady decline at the time. Struggling financially, everything began to take a toll on him. He did have a full time job at Atlas Manufacturing Inc. in Alapaha, Georgia but the 10.75 per hour was a far cry from the 48,000 dollars per year he was making with Harvey’s. He was introduced to the marketing management faculty at the college (now known as Wiregrass Georgia Technical College). He was encouraged by Phyllis Lightsey, marketing instructor, to take a few marketing classes. Williams was able to utilize the HOPE grant at the time to complete his accounting diploma and still had enough HOPE hours left to complete a diploma in Marketing Management.

“With the economy falling as it did in September of 2008, I thought to myself, what do I have to lose? I was a people person; I had previous sales experience through our local radio station before my 25 years with Harvey’s. So I began my second journey at Wiregrass in marketing management,” stated Williams.

Williams graduated with honors in March of 2011 and then in November of 2011 he was promoted to sales at Atlas Manufacturing, where he has now been working for over 5 years. “I was told by the company owner that with the product knowledge I already had and the tools that I had been equipped with through Wiregrass; I was the perfect candidate for the position.”

“It’s hard for a 46 old male to find a good paying job when you have to start over. I have a physical handicap in my vision but so far nothing has slowed me down. Again I am grateful for the help and knowledge I received from Mrs. Lightsey as well as the entire Wiregrass team,“ stated Williams. “So today, I can testify, if you are feeling useless and lost and maybe a career change has been forced on you as it was me, there is hope. Apply yourself, surround yourself with positive people, and acquire a burning desire to succeed.”

Wiregrass Georgia Technical College offers associate degree, diploma and technical certificate of credit programs. Fall semester begins on August 22 and new student applications are being accepted.