Transitioning from military service to civilian life isn’t always easy, but with the right support, success is possible. That’s exactly what Navy veteran Jake Borleske discovered after connecting with the Rolla Job Center, where dedicated staff helped him turn his career goals into reality.
Jake, a former Systems Maintenance Specialist, came to the Job Center in October 2025 looking for new employment opportunities. From the start, the team worked alongside him to chart a clear path forward.
During his first visit, staff walked him through the MoJobs system, showing him how to search for positions and manage his résumé online. They also introduced him to upcoming job fairs, workshops, and veteran-specific services tailored to help former service members succeed in Missouri’s workforce.
Within a week, Jake met with the Veterans Services team to complete an Objective Assessment and an Individual Employment Plan—tools that helped identify his interests in human resources and counseling. Using Labor Market Information and ONET data, staff provided insight into current opportunities and wage potential in those fields.
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Just days later, Jake had an interview scheduled with Cox Health. The Job Center team stepped in to fine-tune his résumé and conduct mock interview sessions to help him prepare with confidence. They also encouraged him to boost his skills through Coursera workforce training, giving him access to online professional development courses.
By the end of the month, Jake’s hard work paid off. He received a full-time job offer from Cox Health as a Community Support Specialist I, earning $25.54 per hour with competitive benefits. “I accepted the offer just moments ago,” Jake wrote in an email to the Job Center. “This seems like a fantastic opportunity with very competitive pay and benefits.”
Even after Jake accepted the position, staff continued to check in, ensuring he had everything needed to thrive in his new role and stay on track with his training.
Jake’s success didn’t happen overnight, but with persistence and support from the Rolla Job Center, he found the right fit. That’s what Missouri Job Centers are all about—real people working together to help others reach their goals right here in the Central Region.