Chris Anderson graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2019 with a degree in political science and was eager to pursue a career path in the federal government. However, he quickly found that job hunting was harder for him than for his peers—without the opportunity to build his skill set, he was constantly passed over for positions. For months, Chris didn’t have anyone to point him in the right direction as he navigated the federal hiring process. In the interim, he turned to retail positions but was still searching for a career path that gave him room to grow.

‍

It was at this juncture that Chris's job coach recommended SOAR365, a beacon of hope. Within a couple of months, Chris found a position that was a perfect fit for him. Joining as a Visitor Center Clerk at the Defense Supply Center in the fall of 2022, he was swiftly presented with opportunities to develop new skills in customer service and teamwork. The team at SOAR365, with their unwavering support and guidance, helped Chris acclimate to his new role, navigate customer interactions, and master his diverse responsibilities.

‍

Having a supportive environment meant that Chris could take the crucial first step that many people need in their postgraduate career path. For many people with disabilities, having this opportunity can set them up for a lifetime of meaningful employment. “There are a lot of people with disabilities out there who want to get jobs in state and federal programs,” Chris explained. “They often just don’t have the skills they need to apply for these jobs, and they need to be given opportunities to get those skills.”