Eric’s Story

Eric worked various part-time jobs before finding full-time employment at the University of Pittsburgh. He was hired through United Way’s Career Transition Project, a program that embeds a recruiting professional into local businesses to help people with disabilities find competitive employment.

Eric started at Pitt a little over a year ago and helps keep the University clean through his housekeeping job in Facilities Management department. He started as a temporary employee in September 2015 but transitioned to full-time in May 2016.

“It felt great to start full-time,” Eric said. “I enjoy the daily routine of coming in and having my set responsibilities.”

Because of United Way’s Career Transition Project, Eric knows he has someone who can help – Career Transition Professional Tom Armstrong, who works in the Human Resources Department at Pitt. “It’s nice to know he is there and able to answer my questions,” Eric said.

Full-time employment allows Eric to make new friends and work with his peers—something Eric really enjoys. “Everybody has been real nice. I made some friends here,” Eric said. “This job helps me feel more independent.”

To learn more about how the Career Transition Project impacts the lives of people with disabilities in the community, please call Megan Grabski at 412-456-6826.