In Honor of Disability Culture
and Achievements Month
We Recognize Wilbert Reed!
After two years of unemployment and countless interviews, I was still without work. I was a part of the Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) which is designed to help disabled individuals find gainful employment. My case manager Ms. Crockett informed me that there was an internship available with the State of Maryland. While I was reluctant to apply, I did so with encouragement from my family.
On June 2, 2017, I was selected for employment as an intern with the Department of Budget and Management, Office of Personnel Services and Benefits, Recruitment and Examination Division. I was assigned to work closely with the Recruitment Division and the Central Collections Unit (CCU). Throughout my experience working in these departments, my biggest impact came from working in the Central Collections Unit. I was able to shadow other agents as they addressed incoming calls from debtors. In addition, I had the opportunity to learn state policies and regulations regarding different agencies throughout the State of Maryland.
Towards the end of August 2017, my internship was coming to an end. It was during this time that I looked to seek internal employment with the State of Maryland. In October of 2017, my former supervisor Mrs. Denise Carter-McCormick, sent me an email regarding a contractual position as a Collection Agent. I contacted the hiring manager to inform her that I put in an application for the vacant position. After completing a successful interview, I was hired as a contractual employee as a Collection Agent I in December 2017. I worked very hard to prove myself as a valuable employee by displaying great customer service and received great reviews from debtors who I have assisted. In addition, I have gone above and beyond the call of duty to extend my customer service skills to help variety of clients from different ethic backgrounds.
As a result of my continuous efforts, after just over 2 years of working with the state, I was promoted to a full-time permanent state position that included benefits. Moreover, I am proud to say that as of January 2021, I have completed all requirements to obtain my real estate license. Today I am a licensed real estate agent with the State of Maryland.
I am grateful that I was given an opportunity to be chosen first as an intern and today I am now a Collection Agent II with full-time status. My journey is a prime example that with belief, hard work and consistency anyone can achieve success.
