Workforce System Success Stories - Hadassah - Workforce Development and Adult Learning

When Hadassah was laid off from the federal government along with thousands of others, she wasn't sure what came next. "I felt completely unanchored as I lost my federal career," she recalled. A colleague encouraged her to visit the Maryland Department of Labor's Professional Outplacement Assistance Center (POAC). Although she didn't know what to expect, she decided to take the first step.

"From the very beginning, the team made me feel seen, supported and valued at a time when I really needed it," Hadassah said. Working one-on-one with POAC staff, she received personalized guidance to strengthen her résumé, refine her cover letters, and build her interview skills before job opportunities even became available.

"That level of dedication was something I had never experienced before," she said. "It made me feel capable again, like I could step into opportunities with confidence instead of fear."

Hadassah also participated in virtual workshops where she discovered the wide range of workforce resources available through the Maryland Department of Labor. A workshop entitled “Seeking New Opportunities After Work as a Federal Employee or Contractor” opened her eyes to careers in state government that closely aligned with her mission-based work at the federal level. She was able to network with other federal employees being laid off and exchanged advice on transitioning careers. In addition, Hadassah was able to secure a Google Career Certificate scholarship through the Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County (AHCMC), which offered free courses to develop her digital skills.

She was especially surprised to learn that these free resources had been available long before recent layoffs and economic uncertainty. "It showed me that workforce support was already in place before the crisis," Hadassah said. "The fact that all of this is free still amazes me. It's not just services. It's people meeting you where you are and treating you like a whole person."

Today, Hadassah is proudly working with the State of Maryland and credits POAC with helping her regain not only her career direction, but also her confidence. Her advice to others facing a job transition is simple.. "Be persistent. Be open. And don't give up on yourself," she said. "Use the resources. Ask questions. Practice before you get the interview. Reach out and grow your network. POAC has people who truly understand the challenges and will walk with you."

The Maryland Department of Labor's Professional Outplacement Assistance Center provides free career services, including career counseling, résumé and cover letter assistance, interview preparation, workshops, labor market information, and workforce resources to help individuals prepare for their next opportunity.