Temp of the Month for April 2024: Emmett Cochetti

WAI April 2024 Temp of the Month

A native of Washington D.C., Emmett brings a unique blend of interpersonal skills and a robust foundation in computer science, enriching the impact of his contributions wherever he is. With a strong background in customer service, he is now pursuing a bachelor’s degree from The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) in computer science with a focus on the ever-growing field of AI and machine learning. Currently holding a 3.92 GPA, Emmett is on the way to graduate summa cum laude in May of this year. He also dedicates his time as a part-time teaching assistant at UMBC, embodying an ongoing commitment to both personal growth and communal enrichment.

Outside of his academic pursuits, Emmett can often be found engrossed in coding projects or escaping into the imaginative worlds of science fiction literature. On weekends, he takes pleasure in the art of cooking, particularly Italian cuisine, as a means of staying connected to his cultural roots and heritage.

Temp of the Month for March 2024: Christelle Bananas

Christelle is a “citizen of the world” as she calls herself.  Born and raised in France, she moved to the US almost a decade ago. Her degree in international business led her to work in different fields, but mostly in events coordination.

Apart from her work experience, she enjoys spending time her husband and 2 children. Christelle also enjoys traveling, music and dramatical movies.

Christelle’s motto is “Age ain’t nothing, but a number!”

Temp of the Month for February 2024: Sofia Timina

Sofia is a highly motivated and enthusiastic young professional passionate about social justice, community bridge building, and Russian literature. She graduated from Gordon College with a BA in Political Science and International Relations in May 2022.

Sofia moved to the Washington DC area after graduation to participate in a 9-month Fellows program. Shortly after, she started working with Whitman Associates and has greatly enjoyed the multitude of experiences and diversity of new skills temping for Whitman brings. Sofia is beyond thankful for the support, commitment, and professionalism of Whitman’s team.

Aside from work, Sofia enjoys reading, traveling, riding horses, and spending time with friends.

Top Rated Staffing Agency from Three Best Rated 2024

We are thrilled and honored to announce that Whitman Associates, Inc. was named one of the Top 3 Staffing Agencies in Washington, D.C. by Three Best Rated® for the 6th year in a row! Three Best Rated® uses an extensive 50-Point Inspection to evaluate and select Top 3 Staffing Agencies, which includes customer reviews, history, satisfaction, trust, cost and general excellence.

We are grateful to our incredible clients, stellar candidates and dedicated employees who have made this possible. Whitman Associates has served the DMV since 1972, and we continue to uphold that tradition of excellence in staffing services.

Temp of the Month for January 2023: Bradley Wanstall

Bradley recently transitioned from managing Starbucks stores in California to immersing themselves in the diverse realm of temporary work at Whitman Associate’s in DC. Their experience with Whitman Associate’s has played a pivotal role in broadening their horizons and providing exposure to various industries.

Armed with a Bachelor’s in Business Management Economics from the University of California and currently pursuing an MBA at Texas A&M, Bradley is committed to continuous learning. They have earned certification from the Society of Human Resource Management as a Certified Professional. Their unwavering dedication lies in contributing to workplaces by propelling their missions forward and enriching the lives of their employees.

Beyond the professional sphere, Bradley finds joy in exploring a range of hobbies. Painting has evolved into a profound passion, and they’ve recently delved into cultivating bonsai trees—an inspiration drawn from the exquisite National Bonsai tree at DC’s Arboretum. The transition from mountains to monuments marked a significant change. However, navigating the rich history of the United States while adapting to city life has proven to be an exhilarating journey for them.

Temp of the Month for December 2023: Bernadine Francis

Bernadine was born and raised by her grandmother on St. Kitts, a small beautiful British island in the Caribbean. Upon graduation from high school, she moved to St. Croix, United States Virgin Island to live with her parents. It was in 1979 when that young girl of nineteen decided to leave home to pursue her college degree in Washington, DC.

Bernadine received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Information Systems and Technology with a minor in Economics. She made a career working for the District of Columbia Public Schools for over thirty years as Business Manager, Administrative Officer and other duties as assigned before retiring this year.

Bernadine soon realized that she needed something to do, and she applied to Whitman which has exceeded her expectations. She is sent on different assignments that she has enjoyed tremendously. Learning new things and meeting new people is so exciting.

Bernadine loves reading, crossword puzzles, traveling and dancing, but it is her five grandsons that keep her busy in her spare time.

Temp of the Month for November 2023: Jordan Yankee

Jordan is a recent graduate of Colgate University, with a Bachelor’s degree in Film and Media Studies.  She moved to DC to pursue a career in marketing and communications and is excited to see where it takes her. 

Jordan enjoys all things artistic, especially videography and photography. She also enjoys exploring DC and all the fun restaurants and activities it has to offer.

Finding the Best Fit for a Project Coordinator Position

Are you organized, detail-oriented, and passionate about managing individuals, teams, and projects? If so, a career as a project coordinator might be perfect for you. Project coordinators work alongside project managers and administrative assistants to play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth execution of projects at their company, from planning and organizing to communicating and problem-solving. Let’s explore the best practices for finding and securing a temp, temp to perm, or permanent staffing job as a project coordinator with Whitman Associates. 

Woman performing office work at a desk

The Role of a Project Coordinator

The role of project coordinator is integral to the successful execution of projects within any organization. No matter your sector, project coordinators are the communication hub that keeps information flowing between project managers, cross-collaborative departments, other contractors, and the end client. Project coordinators typically keep records, track progress, and provide regular updates to inform all stakeholders of the project status.

Research Job Opportunities

Don’t rely solely on local or generic job boards when researching job listings. There may also be a niche job search platform in your industry that specializes in the role of project coordinator or project manager. Tailor your job search to find coordinator positions supporting managers that match your skills and interests. You can also set up job alerts and receive notifications when relevant project coordinator positions become available.

Update Your Resume, Cover Letter, and LinkedIn

Resume 

Your resume and cover letter are your first opportunity to make a positive impression on potential employers. Tailor your project coordinator resume to highlight relevant skills, experience, and accomplishments. Be sure to emphasize your organizational skills, attention to detail, communication abilities, and any pertinent project management software proficiencies. Some of the top skills listed on resumes for project coordinators are:

  • Organizational Skills
  • Communication
  • Time Management
  • Problem-Solving
  • Attention to Detail
  • Collaboration
  • Adaptability
  • Leadership
  • Analytical Thinking
  • Software Proficiency

Cover Letter

In your cover letter, showcase your enthusiasm for the role and the industry, address specific requirements from the job posting, and provide examples of how your project coordination skills align with the company’s needs. A personalized and well-written cover letter can significantly increase your chances of standing out. 

LinkedIn

Your online presence matters if you plan to update your resume and submit job applications. Update your LinkedIn profile when you apply to new roles so it has the most up-to-date professional accomplishments, skills, and aspirations. Follow companies and groups related to project coordination and project management to stay updated with industry trends and  job opportunities. 

Two Men Shaking Hands

Network and Connect

Networking can open doors to hidden job opportunities. Attend industry events, workshops, and seminars to connect with professionals in the field. Join online project management forums and groups to share insights and learn from others’ experiences. Don’t underestimate the power of a genuine connection in the professional world. Finding a mentor is a surefire way to get ahead in your career, as you can learn from discussions you have about their career experiences. 

Prepare for Interviews

Once you begin applying to new project coordinator roles, it will be time to prepare thoroughly for upcoming interviews. Research the companies you are applying to and understand their projects, values, and culture. Practice answering common interview questions and be ready to provide examples of how you’ve handled challenging situations and demonstrated your project coordination versus project management skills in your previous roles. 

Woman writing on paper

During the interview, focus on how your previous administrative assistant and project coordination skills, and experiences align with the company’s and management’s needs. Highlight your ability to streamline processes, manage timelines, and ensure project deliverables are met for the project managers you support. Showcase your problem-solving skills by describing how you’ve overcome obstacles in previous roles and how you are the best fit for the position based on those experiences.

Embrace Continuous Improvement 

Project management methodologies and tools are constantly evolving. Stay current with the latest trends and best practices by attending industry workshops, taking free or paid training courses online, obtaining necessary certifications and reading industry publications. Demonstrating your commitment to professional growth can make you a more attractive candidate to potential employers and will help you round out your skillset. Consider taking on temp or temp-to-perm positions with companies before joining as permanent staff

Be Patient and Persistent 

Finding the proper role as a project coordinator can take time. Keep refining your approach, learn from each interview or mentor conversation, and persist in pursuing the perfect position. After your interview, send a thank you note or email to express your appreciation for their time and reiterate your enthusiasm for the position and company. This small gesture can leave a positive impression on the hiring team and help you stand out from other applicants.

Becoming a successful project coordinator involves career planning, effective communication, networking, and continuous improvement. Implementing these best practices can enhance your chances of securing your dream job in project coordination or management support roles. Your dedication and commitment will pay off in the long run as you embark on an exciting and fulfilling career journey with Whitman Associates. Contact us today to discuss your next career move!

Temp of the Month for October 2023: Lauren Rubenstein

Lauren, a graduate of Indiana University with a Bachelors in Journalism, has spent the majority of her career in the entertainment marketing space in Los Angeles. With her passion for global good, she moved cross country this year to DC to bring her creative skills to the world of non profit communications and has not looked back!

Lauren is also a professional photographer and an avid lover of nature, animals and art. She enjoys the abundance of beautiful parks around DC as well as taking advantage of the free museums.

Temp of the Month for September 2023: Sebastian Wick

wai totm

Sebastian is a proud Nicaraguan American with a background in digital communication and multimedia journalism. He is well versed in multiple technology editing techniques and analytics softwares and also has a passion for film.

Having bounced around 6 different states Sebastian arrived in his new home of DC in February. He enjoys exploring the DMV area with his girlfriend along with hiking, watching movies, playing games, or even playing with his cat, Mamba.

Sebastian achieved his Bachelor’s degree from the University of South Florida in December 2022 and is ready to build his professional career and make his mark on the DC area.