Like a Good Neighbor, Delilah is There

When Delilah first entered the workforce as a high school student, she never imagined she would soon be building a professional career in the insurance industry. As an In-School Youth participant with Michigan Works!, Delilah first began with a paid work experience as an office assistant at Cory Budnick State Farm Insurance.

Initially seeking a way to gain work experience while finishing school, Delilah quickly discovered the opportunity was much more than just a job. She started by assisting with basic office tasks such as answering phones, organizing client files, and scheduling appointments. Although she had limited knowledge of the insurance field, she stood out for her strong work ethic, curiosity, and willingness to learn.

Recognizing her potential, Cory gradually introduced Delilah to more advanced responsibilities. Through the structure and support of the On-the-Job Training (OJT) Program, Delilah received hands-on experience in customer service, policy documentation, and insurance terminology. She also developed skills in communicating with clients about coverage options and assisting agents with quotes and paperwork. This real-world training helped her build both technical knowledge and professional confidence.

As her skills grew, so did her interest in the industry. With encouragement from her employer and Michigan Works! OJT program staff, Delilah decided to pursue her insurance license. While continuing to work, she studied for the state licensing exam—and successfully passed.

Today, Delilah is a licensed insurance agent at the same agency where she began as an assistant. She now works directly with clients, helping individuals and families understand their coverage needs while contributing to the agency’s success.

Her journey from student assistant to licensed professional agent highlights the power of hands-on experience, mentorship, and opportunity. Delilah credits the OJT Program for opening the door to a career she may not have otherwise discovered.

“The OJT Program gave me the chance to learn while working and showed me what I’m capable of,” Delilah shared. “Starting as an assistant helped me understand the business from the ground up, and now I’m proud to help clients protect what matters most.”

Delilah’s story is a strong example of how early work experience, combined with supportive training and guidance, can transform a part-time job into a meaningful, long-term career.