We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Erica Rice. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Erica below.

Erica, appreciate you joining us today. What’s the kindest thing anyone has ever done for you?

Of the times I have been supported by other professionals in my career, one memory sticks out as truly formative. In another job, I earned the trust and respect of a mentor I deeply admire. This individual broke through stereotypes and expectations wherever he went, all to support the people around him. He was there when I faced difficult decisions. He never tried to face them for me, patronize my position or circumstances, and did not take credit when I was too overwhelmed to receive praise myself. The impact that this professional mentor left in my life was the sense of total support from a champion in the field, personally shared with me. The association with this individual helped me believe in myself. After this mentor and I parted ways, I have held the example of this professional relationship as the goal for how I may impact others.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

When Workforce Development, Inc. interviewed me for the position of Outreach Specialist, I knew it was a good fit. And I knew what I wanted: work that involved meeting leaders in my community, responsibilities that would take me out of the office regularly, and information that I could present with the public speaking skills I have maintained since I was a youth in theater summer camps. This job allows me to channel my empathy, my personal beliefs, and my professional skills to learn and contribute to my community.

Workforce Development, Inc. uses the vehicles of employment, training, and education to serve the BIPOC and impoverished individuals who wish to advance and develop their careers with meaningful wages. It is an absolute pleasure to share the passion for impacting lives with creative thinkers across the City of Rochester.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

Clientele to Workforce Development, Inc. (WDI) could be people who would benefit from career services or they could be organizations who could benefit from employer services. Either way, the more awareness about our FREE WDI career programs, the better. That is why WDI employs Outreach Specialists to distribute marketing and communication in the SE Minnesota communities where we serve.

With all of the marketing I do, I draw on the skills I have in public speaking and relationship-building skills. I consider myself a creative, who uses out-of-the-box thinking to accomplish incredible goals. And yet, I have insecurities or doubts about my success, especially when I feel out of place. In the networking part of my career, I feel out of place frequently, if for no other reason than being the only person I know in a room full of new people to meet. At these times, I want to do what every other charismatic person in the room is doing: shaking hands, telling clever jokes, or promoting their business so gracefully that it makes me want to cry. The most effective strategy that works for me when the doubts are at their strongest is to sit at an empty table with a few business cards ready. I take deep breaths and smile like I am in my happy place, and soon friendly people come over and introduce themselves to me. Whether or not they are coming over because they took pity on a person sitting alone does not matter to me. Their passion for their work and their interest in mine completely fascinate me, and I soon forget how nervous I was when I first arrived.

This private strategy as a public impact across my community as I network with businesses and individuals in Olmsted County, one of the ten areas that is served by Workforce Development, Inc.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

WDI Outreach Specialists strengthen the workforce in SE Minnesota by listening to area employers’ needs, educating the local talent pool to fill those needs, and supporting businesses with state and federal funding opportunities to help them optimize their workforce potential. Employers are just as much our clientele as job candidates are. I rely on the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce to network with other business representatives and share the impact made by WDI on the workforce in our community.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://workforcedevelopmentinc.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/semnworkforce/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SEMNWorkforce/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/workforce-development-inc/
• Other: WDI Newsletter https://workforcedevelopmentinc.org/#

Image Credits
Workforce Development, Inc.