Building Communication Skills for a New Job

"I want to change jobs, but I am not sure how!" Teachers and advisors hear this a lot at the Cambridge Community Learning Center (CLC). We listened. In 2026, CLC started a program to help students find a career that that fits their interests and skills. The Career Connections Program helps students build the skills they need for job training programs and future jobs. Students take math and communication classes and get one-on-one career counseling.

Immaculene came to the U.S. in 2020 from Haiti, where she worked as an accountant. She knew she needed to improve her English to have a career in the U.S., so she started in the Level 2 ESOL class at the CLC in 2021. Immaculene studied hard, and in 2025 she reached Level 5.

"I knew if I wanted to get a better job, I needed to improve my professional communication skills," said Immaculene. "I heard about the CLC's Career Connections Program and thought it would help me."

In the program's Professional Communication Class, students learn to write professional emails, cover letters, and fill out applications for training programs. They practice giving presentations, interviewing, and networking. In addition, they learn different ways to search for jobs. Students get support and feedback every step of the way.

"The student conversation groups were really amazing," said Immaculene. "We talked about many different topics and got to practice a lot. Now I am more confident and have better communications skills."

Nefira is the Professional Communication teacher and career advisor for the Career Connections Program. "I help students explore career options," she explained. "I help them set goals, develop workplace skills, and apply to training programs. Students also have opportunities to meet training providers who visit the class and share information about their programs."

In June 2026, Immaculene graduated from the CLC. She celebrated completing two different programs during her five years at the CLC: the English Program and the Career Connections Program.

"As an English learner, this journey was not always easy. At the CLC I learned how to communicate with more confidence in everyday life," she said. "This experience helped me become more comfortable expressing myself in English, and I am proud of the progress I made during my classes at the CLC. In the future, I hope to build a successful career, continue learning English, and create a better future for myself and my family."

Are you or someone you know exploring a career change? Sign up for an information session to learn more about our Career Connections Program. The next program starts in January.