Ozarks Profile - Jaydean Miller

Tell us about the Missouri Career Center.

"The Missouri Career Center provides services to businesses and job seekers," Miller said. Many services are provided at varying levels, and anyone can receive assistance with job searching from the center, she added.

"Staff will assist customers in Internet job searching, and offer information on resumes, cover letters, interviewing skills and related materials. The center also provides a great deal of information on training providers, employer profiles, labor market information, job descriptions and more," Miller said. She noted that the center's staff also offers workshops on job-seeking skills, career exploration and computer topics.

What is your job?

"I oversee the customer service and training section, which encompasses the customer service desk, triage, resource area, workshops, adult education and computer classes," Miller said.

How would you characterize the Springfield-area job market?

"The Springfield area job market has gone through a great deal of fluctuation this past year, as have most areas. We have seen many closures and layoffs as our economy took a turn," Miller said. "Though these are not past us, we are starting to see more and more job openings and some companies actually expanding. Over a year ago businesses seemed to be hurting for good quality employees; now, we are seeing more and more people who are finding it difficult to find employment in this tighter labor market. Businesses are now able to be more specific about the education, skills and experience they are looking for in potential employees."

What segment makes up the biggest portion of the center's job-

services clients?

Miller said the majority of the people served by the Career Center are those who are unemployed, although some of the clients are employed but are looking for better jobs. Job-seeking customers, she said, range from those who have never held jobs to those who have skills and work experience but are looking for a change or an improved quality of life.

"Many of the customers possibly need retraining to enhance their marketability in today's work force," she said.

What prepared you for and led you to your present career?

"I received my bachelor's from Central Missouri State in business education and a master's from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh in counseling with a career and higher education emphasis. After several years working in education, university student life and counseling, I began working in work-force development. My education background, presentation skills and career guidance work has assisted me a great deal in my current position," she said.

Tell us about your family.

"I am married and have two beautiful children. Katie is 8 and Brian is 5; both attend school at Sherwood Elementary. My husband, Dave, teaches science at Parkview High School and is also the varsity cheerleading sponsor," Miller said.

How do you like to spend your free time?

"I spend most of my time outside of work with my family. I am involved with my children's school PTA and am a Girl Scout leader to a wonderful group of second-grade Brownies. When not busy with school or Girl Scout functions, I like most to spend time with my four sisters and mother, who unfortunately do not live in Springfield."

by Maria Hoover