News: The Casey Group's Holly Jamros Addresses Graduates of NJIT's "Bridging The Gap" Career-Skills Education Program

HR Director Addresses Graduates

Parsippany, NJ (October 11, 2002) - Holly Jamros, Director of Human Resources for The Casey Group, Inc., a technology consulting firm, tonight gave the keynote speech to the graduating class of Bridging The Gap, a career counselling and skills training program sponsored by the New Jersey Institute of Technology and developed to prepare women, minorities, people with disabilities, the unemployed, and the underemployed for professional information technology careers. Emphasizing the value of continued education throughout life, Jamros told the class of about 25 students that, despite the on-going gloom about the current job market and economic uncertainty, it's important to develop a strong foundation of practical, marketable skills for any career opportunity.

"It's easy to get frustrated about your future when everyone and everything around you seems to be in negative mode. But just by completing this program you've already shown yourselves that you have the drive and ability to succeed in the professional IT world," Jamros said during the graduation, which was held on NJIT's campus in Newark. "The skills you've learned here, the experience you've gained, is applied in every business and every company today. In today's business world, technology is so ingrained in everything we do. And you've taken a big first step and are poised for success in whatever career or industry you choose. But now your biggest assignment is to make sure you never stop learning; you have to constantly prepare yourself for the next challenge whether it comes from technology, business, or just your professional relationships."

NJIT, in partnership with the Newark Workforce Investment Board (WIB), the Union WIB, and the Morris/Sussex/Warren WIB, with support from organizations like the New Jersey Technology Council, which represents the state's leading technology firms, and several companies, ensures that Bridging The Gap students are exposed to the full spectrum of professional development skills in addition to the program's core technical skills training. The program's core curriculum consists of "modules" that include an introduction to information technology and popular tools like Microsoft Office, Web Author, Help Desk, and PC Management skills. Area companies offer volunteers, such as Jamros and her colleague, The Casey Group Recruiting Manager, Debbie Gencarelli, to run workshops on professional development skills including interviewing and job search tips.

The Casey Group has been involved with NJIT and Bridging The Gap for some time, operating two workshops and providing support through the NJTC. For Jamros, The Casey Group, and CEO Rich Casey, participating in the program is a natural extension of the company's business philosophy and sense of community development.

"The Casey Group has been in the northern New Jersey area since we were established nearly 14 years ago," said Casey. "We've grown to become a respected, successful voice in the New Jersey business and technology community; that success can be contributed to the talented technology and business professionals we've hired over the years. Bridging The Gap ensures that everyone in our area is given the opportunity to contribute to and benefit from the IT industry. We're proud to support such a valuable program."

The Casey Group is also a proponent of continuous learning in the workplace. The company supports employees who are dedicated to enriching their professional lives through not only technology education, but also any opportunities that can contribute to a person's success - a philosophy that was prevalent in Jamros's speech.

"Continuing education doesn't have to be limited to technology skills," said Jamros, who along with her extensive human resources management experience also has IT development experience. "You have to remember that professional success also applies to your attitude and your relationships with people in and out of the workplace. There are many ways you can grow professionally, but you have to have the right attitude. Go out and welcome new challenges, seek out new opportunities," she said. "But most importantly, good luck."