Kathleen talks about being a Candidate Experience Agent

Oct. 2022
By NTI

Kathleen has been working at NTI as a Candidate Experience Agent for the last five years. She works from her home answering incoming calls from disabled Americans or their caregivers who have questions about NTI’s registration process. She happily shares all the answers she knows and finds the right person or department if the person needs further assistance.

Kathleen has this to say about her position and time at NTI.  “Working for NTI has changed my life. My role here at NTI is very uplifting, but it can also be very emotional at times”

At first, Kathleen was only able to work part-time hours. She persevered through several health challenges to get to her goal of working full-time and becoming self-sufficient.

“I knew it wouldn’t be easy, but I knew it would be worth it. I still endure many health struggles today, but I remind myself how far I have come and that falling backward is not an option. I love working for NTI and wake up every day excited to log in.” Kathleen says.

Kathleen feels that her experiences help her to easily relate to the people she helps each day. She makes it a point to encourage everyone to take a chance and complete NTI’s initial assessments. She talks about NTI University’s self-paced courses and job coaching services. When they are doubtful, she tries to boost their confidence and encourages them to take it one step at a time.

Over her time with NTI, Kathleen has helped countless people on their journey to get back to work. Some are more memorable than often. Kathleen shared this about one of her memorable calls. “I often think about one of our candidates who registered for NTI. The firsts words he spoke when I greeted his call was disclosed that he had AIDS and due to his deteriorating appearance, he barely recognized himself in the mirror. He went on to say he had the desire to work and that working from home would be a blessing. He told me working from home would allow him to avoid people staring at him when he is out in public. I quickly became very emotional as I gasped for air and felt the tears run down my face. I applauded him for wanting to work. I completed the Intake and sent him the necessary emails to get started. I remember taking a moment at the end of that call. I still get emotional today when I think of him.”

Those around her know about Kathleen’s ability to spread confidence and optimism with the people she talks with. She likes to encourage others to believe in their selves. She shared this advice with us. “Don’t be afraid to set the bar a little higher than what you think you are capable of. You can accomplish far more than you realize.  If you tell yourself you will succeed, you will succeed! No one said it would be easy, but I will tell you from my personal experience that it is possible.  Remind yourself every day that you are worthy, you are capable. I always tell people they can turn their ‘disability’ into ‘this-ability’.”

If you are looking for a work-at-home position, look no further than NTI. NTI is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, helps Americans with disabilities and their family caregivers find full- and part-time job opportunities in remote call centers for government organizations, Fortune 500, and large and small companies. You can register to receive free job training and job placement service at www.NTIcentral.org.