Laura Van Maaren

My first job was an office assistant, totaling four years. I learned how to interact with customers, how to fluently navigate Windows operating systems and Microsoft Office, manage a filing system, among other universal office duties. I enjoyed my job and was drawn into the medical side of the company. I then obtained an advanced EMT certification and have worked in emergency medical services the past 11 years. It was very rewarding work, but 24 hour shifts and very low pay no longer work for my life. I also work part time for Foster Grant International, merchandising their eye-wear lines in local retail outlets. I find the psychology of retail extremely interesting, and merchandising has been an eye-opening and enjoyable experience. Employers find me to be ethical, dependable, hard-working and dedicated.