"Mentor, Mr. Cohen" | Memoir | Part II of VI | Networking

I met with Jim Cohen, a Human Resources expert at the U.S. House of Representatives at the Rayburn House Office Building. Our discussion occurred in the Personnel Office, where I sought his guidance on potential paid job opportunities.
 
I was at ease consulting with Mr. Cohen as he was the one who suggested that I undertake volunteer work with Congressmen Kostmeyer and Hefner.
 
I viewed him as a reliable “advisor.”
 
I informed him about my need to earn money for my bus fare for my volunteer work. Consequently, I inquired if there was any paid job I could apply for. Regrettably, he informed me that there were no jobs for which I was qualified.
 
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However, Mr. Cohen advised me to explore job opportunities at the stores, restaurants, and boutiques along Pennsylvania Avenue on Capitol Hill.
 
He also suggested that I take a typing test at the Library of Congress in the James A. Madison Building and apply for a secretarial position there once I received my test results.
 
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Mr. Cohen emphasized, “Mia, you need to network more.” I was unsure what networking meant, so I asked him, “What does networking mean, Jim?” He explained that my act of seeking his advice was a form of networking, as it led to him sharing valuable employment information with me. He encouraged me to continue asking people for advice to assist me in my job search. From that moment, I began to network actively!
 
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Before our meeting ended, Mr. Cohen asked if I had taken the Office of Personnel Management’s assessment and evaluation examination for a federal government job. I admitted my lack of knowledge about it, but I knew the women in the projects were employed by the federal government, and a government agency was where I ultimately aspired to work!
 
“The Office of Personnel Management manages the civil service of the federal government, coordinates recruiting of new government employees, and manages their health insurance and retirement benefits programs.”
 
Mr. Cohn suggested that I should undertake the assessment and evaluation examination conducted by the Office of Personnel Management, which could potentially lead to a federal government job as an office clerk or receptionist.
 
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In my quest for a steady income, I chose to investigate employment opportunities on Pennsylvania Avenue. As suggested by Mr. Cohen, I planned to take the typing test at the Library of Congress and arrange an appointment for the assessment and evaluation exam at the Office of Personnel Management.
 
The very next day, I walked down the Capitol Hill portion of the legendary Pennsylvania Avenue, visiting various establishments in the hope of securing a job.
 
I entered each shop with determination, introducing myself and asking if they were hiring. Though some places turned me away, others offered kind words and encouragement. I jotted down names, phone numbers, and leads in my notepad. Mr. Cohen’s advice had sparked a new confidence in me, I was officially job hunting and networking!
 
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I’m happy to report that Mr. Cohen’s advice proved to be very helpful!

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