Erin Mortara
The Silver Lining of a Pandemic
“More people should think of community colleges when considering a career change. CCM was very affordable and I enjoyed my classes. I strongly recommend the Workforce Development courses and programs for those wanting to enhance their resume, advance in their job or be more informed before making a career change.”
After the pandemic hit home in 2020, Erin Mortara lost her job working as an account executive at a public relations firm. Through the Center for Workforce Development at County College of Morris (CCM), however, she was able to launch into a new field. “I graduated college with a major in communications and worked for almost four years in consumer products PR,” says Mortara. When she lost her position, she also realized that PR didn’t excite her anymore. “I wanted to contribute my knowledge and skills toward helping people,” she says. The 26-year-old then decided to change career tracks and to work for a nonprofit, but without any experience in that field, Mortara recalls, “I was unsuccessful in getting hired."
Through a Google search, she found CCM’s Nonprofit Leadership Training Program. The introductory course, Navigate Nonprofit Fundraising, offered online through the Center for Workforce Development, sounded like a great start. Upon completing the course, Mortara recalled that her instructor Lauren Swern had talked about additional opportunities at CCM, including hands-on certificate programs. With her instructor’s guidance and encouragement, Mortara forged ahead and enrolled in the Grant Writing Certificate Program. Professional grant writers and funders participate in the program’s classes, evaluating students’ proposals and offering tips on submitting successful grant applications. Mortara’s favorite part was meeting one-on-one with professional grant writers and funders to review assignments. “This was extremely beneficial. It provided additional insight on important components of a grant and what reviewers look for when reading applications,” explains Mortara. “When I heard positive remarks on my writing, I couldn’t stop smiling. It was nice knowing that a professional saw potential in my work.”
Mortara completed the program in four months and was hired by Main St. Counseling Center two months later.
“More people should think of community colleges when considering a career change,” she says. ”CCM was very affordable and I enjoyed my classes. I strongly recommend the Workforce Development courses and programs for those wanting to enhance their resume, advance in their job or be more informed before making a career change. I feel the skills I gained can be used throughout my entire career.”