Home » Success Stories » Earning Credentials Toward a New Career

After being laid off, Samira Alley faced an uncertain future. With bills piling up and no clear path forward, she turned to the SEMCA Michigan Works! Dearborn American Job Center for support. Initially seeking unemployment assistance and job search help, Samira soon realized she needed more than just a temporary solution—she needed a new career.

During an orientation session, Samira learned about the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) program and saw an opportunity to build a stronger future. With guidance from her career coach, she enrolled in the program and explored in-demand fields, identifying Medical Coding and Billing as the perfect fit. Though she had prior experience in the medical field, she lacked the necessary credentials to re-enter the industry.

In December 2023, Samira enrolled in the MedCerts Medical Coding and Billing program. The coursework was challenging, especially after being away from school for so long, but she remained determined. By July, she had successfully completed her training, earning a certification that opened new doors in her career.

With her new credentials, Samira attended the Corewell Health Job Fair, where she landed an interview and secured a position as a Medical Assistant/Medical Coding Specialist, earning $24 per hour. As she was preparing to start her new role, an unexpected obstacle threatened to derail her progress—her car needed urgent repairs, putting her ability to get to her new job at risk.

SEMCA Michigan Works! connected her with supportive services to cover the cost of the repairs, ensuring she could start her new job without worry.

Now, with a stable career and a bright future ahead, Samira is grateful for the support that helped her along the way. “SEMCA Michigan Works! helped me overcome so many barriers, from training to transportation. I’m now on a clear path to success, and I couldn’t have done it without their help,” she shared.

Thanks to SEMCA Michigan Works!, Samira has transformed credentials into a career, proving that with the right support, a new career—and a new future—is always possible.