Causey’s Career Corner: Your new place for job tips, motivation and career advice | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Damia S. Causey
December 10, 2019
I am Damia Causey, a lifelong resident of Milwaukee. I am the mother of a blended family of FOUR daughters. I am the wife of an amazing journalist. I am a reader. I am a crafter. I am somewhat introverted but working on stretching myself beyond my comfort zone.
A product of Milwaukee Public Schools, I developed an early interest in reading. My mother worked in Ready Reference (the original Google) at Central Library, and I spent many hours in the youth section reading books and watching educational films. During my teen years, libraries became my hangout spot of choice. I continue to enjoy the written word, and you’re likely to find me at a bookstore nearly every weekend. I dabbled in journalism during high school but didn’t realize it was a career option for me. Until now.
I am honored to join the Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service family. What I hope to be is an employment resource offering a unique look at not just jobs but different types of career opportunities. The purpose of this space is to showcase what is possible in employment. Just because the road you travel may have detours and drop-offs doesn’t mean you won’t reach your destination. My own journey is far from traditional. And yet, I’m here.
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I will share stories of those who have taken a nontraditional approach to employment or an unusual career path. I will also list employment information such as job fairs, resource fairs and job training events. I encourage community organizations to email me at damiacausey@milwaukeenns.org with career information.
Milwaukee is my home, and I care about the residents and what happens here. The people of Milwaukee are talented, creative and resilient. And I want to showcase that.
We read and hear enough about the not so good stuff. I get to highlight more of the positive parts of our city.
So, y’all ready? Let’s get started!
Leonard W. Wilson (in gray), 53, is a fitness trainer who finds joy in helping others achieve their goals. (Photo provided by Brian Farley)
CAREER SPOTLIGHT
Name: Leonard W. Wilson
Age: 53
What he does: Fitness trainer
Number of years in field: 13
Education: Attended UW- Milwaukee
Neighborhood: Riverwest
What sparked your interest in this field?
I always loved to work out and had a passion for fitness. Gym was my favorite class in school. However, I have a background in social services. I later realized that fitness training is what I wanted to do. I trained a few coworkers, and one of my coworkers lost 65 pounds in five months, and that’s how it started.
How did you learn of what steps to take to become a fitness trainer?
The first thing that I did was to do my research. I Googled “fitness trainer certificates” and then I went and received my first personal fitness training certificate through ISSA, or the International Sports Sciences Association.
I took a part-time job as a fitness trainer at Bally Total Fitness and there I received certification with NASM, National Academy of Sports Medicine. I also watched, spoke with and studied other fitness trainers.
What advice do you have for aspiring fitness trainers?
Research, study, speak with and watch other personal fitness trainers to get as much experience as you can.
What is most challenging in this work?
For me, the most challenging thing about fitness is having enough time. I love what I do, but there isn’t enough time in a day to get everything done. Time management is key.
What advice would you offer someone interested in this field?
My advice to anyone interested in this field is to love what you do. Be patient. Work hard. Do not quit. Most importantly: You can do this!
What is the best thing about your job?
Seeing people reach their goal whether it is weight loss, changing how they eat or increasing energy levels and living a healthy lifestyle. Just to see people transform their life and  continuing to be in the best shape of your life is the most fulfilling part about doing what I do.
*Answers have been edited for clarity
COMING ATTRACTIONS
Register with www.jobcenterofwisconsin.com to attend various Job Service Workshops in the Month of December 2019 at Job Center Central (4201 N. 27Street) or at Job Center Southeast (2701 S. Chase Ave.). Workshops include walk-in resume critiques, interviewing, introduction to computers and more.
Marcus Hotels & Resorts posts weekly updates on their part-time and full-time hiring needs. To apply visit www.marcushotels.com/careers. For instant career updates on Marcus Hotels & Resorts & Hotels, connect with them on Facebook & Twitter!
United States Census 2020 will conduct a series of training sessions on Dec. 10 and Dec. 12 and on Jan. 9 at Greater Milwaukee Foundation: 101 W. Pleasant St., Suite 210, Milwaukee.
America Works of Wisconsin will be hosting and lending advice to parents with child support enforcement orders. Plan to attend an information session on Dec. 13 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13 at 310 W. Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 300 E on the mezzanine level. Lunch will be provided.
—Provided by Common Council – City Clerk’s Workforce Development Office
HELP ME SPREAD THE WORD
I encourage community organizations to email me at damiacausey@milwaukeenns.org with career information.