On the Job: Jazzmin Scott

TeenQuest graduate Jazzmin Scott works in human resources – a career pathway she discovered while in the Summer Youth Initiative program.

“I found out I wanted to work in HR after working at Mott Community College in the career resource center,” says Scott. “I loved the idea of helping people find employment.”

Scott’s 10-year plan is to open her own staffing agency. In the meantime, she is happy working at her current job and taking in everything she can.

“I love getting the opportunity to meet and talk to new people and help them be successful,” says Scott. “It is hard finding a good position right out of college. If I could help give people that opportunity, why wouldn’t I?”

Scott, who graduated from Grand Blanc High School in 2016 and received her bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in organizational behavior and human resources management in 2021, is continuing to work toward her future and credits TeenQuest for giving her a head start.

How did the lessons you learned through TeenQuest and Summer Youth Initiative (SYI) help you in your career?

It really taught me to be confident in myself. Growing up, I wasn’t very confident. But being able to work with influential women at Mott Community College, I learned how to be confident in myself, stand up for myself and use the voice I was given.

What skills did you use when interviewing for your current position?

It started with my resume; I can’t thank TeenQuest enough for helping me build an effective resume. Also, key points like how to go into an interview confidently, how to make eye contact and how to give a firm handshake.

What is a favorite memory from your time in TeenQuest and SYI?

The first job I worked through SYI was at Catholic Charities. I will never forget the children we impacted and the work that we did. One day, I was working in the soup kitchen and thought, “What am I doing here?” I realized I was helping others and that was exactly what I wanted to do.

What advice would you offer current TeenQuest students?

Never stop dreaming and believing. If you work hard, you will reap the rewards. You just have to open your mouth and speak up so someone can help you get to where you want to be.

TeenQuest and Summer Youth Initiative are made possible through the generous support of the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation.