A CNM Success Story - Virginia Jackson

Michele Carpenter, PHR
2 days ago
2 min read

CNM helped me turn an unexpected layoff into a purposeful next step: Senior Auditor at Universal Service Administrative Co. (USAC).

After 35 years with the same company, I was laid off in December and did not know where to begin a modern job search. I did not even have a shareable resume. My outplacement counselor connected me with CNM, and that changed everything.

CNM’s live and virtual sessions, Job Search Accountability Group, and Interview Practice Group helped me to focus my resume, position my strengths, and prepare for the interview that led to my new role.

Through CNM, I met wonderful people, learned more about myself, and realized that my old job title did not define me. The in-person and virtual sessions helped me make my skills stand out on my resume. The Interview Practice Group helped me to notice habits like saying “um” in practice interviews. I also built a strong catalog of SOAR stories and began to imagine myself in the roles I aspired to.

CNM also taught me the power of networking. Before joining, nearly everyone in my network worked at my old company. At CNM, I found supportive people who were eager to help, and that mattered at a time when I felt lost. Most importantly, I learned that I did not need to fit myself into one narrow job title or company type.

As I begin my third month with USAC, I am grateful for how CNM helped me prepare, focus, and move forward with confidence. My advice to anyone in transition is simple: invest in your network before you need it, stay generous with others, and be open to roles that may not match the title you first imagined. You cannot control every turn in your career, but you can surround yourself with people who help you see the next opportunity more clearly.

Everyone at CNM wishes Virginia all the best as she begins this new chapter in her career.

If you're facing a career transition like Virginia was, CNM is here for you. Take advantage of everything we have to offer — the tools, resources, support, and community that can help you move forward with clarity and confidence. Join us today and start writing your own next chapter.