Graduate Profile: Ja'Nae Massey
CityWorks DC Senior Manager Of Program & Partnerships, Jerelle Jenkins (Left), With CareerWise DC ‘25 Alum, Ja’Nae Massey (Right), And Her Accenture Supervisor, Briyana Newby (Right), Celebrating The Completion Of Massey’s Accenture Apprenticeship
At CityWorks DC, we kickstart young people’s career trajectories through meaningful early professional opportunities. Ja’Nae Massey, a 2024 graduate from Friendship Technology Preparatory Academy, completed her three-year apprenticeship as a Business Operations apprentice in July 2025 at Accenture, a global professional services company. For Ja’Nae, this journey was one of profound transformation alongside professional development.
By the end of her apprenticeship, Ja’Nae attained occupational competencies in business communication and customer service, gained invaluable professional skills, and built a network of personal and professional relationships that will support her throughout her career. As a Ward 8 resident, Ja'Nae entered the CareerWise DC program encouraged by her engineering teacher who saw the opportunity for early corporate exposure and personal growth. What began as a chance to step out of her comfort zone evolved into a three-year journey that fundamentally changed how she sees herself and her capabilities in the professional world.
From Introverted to Confident: A Remarkable Transformation
The Ja'Nae who started her apprenticeship at Accenture was vastly different from the confident professional who completed the program three years later. Initially, she described herself as "very introverted and reserved" - someone who "was a shy person who often overthought everything." Speaking up in meetings felt daunting, networking seemed impossible, and advocating for herself was not yet in her skillset.
However, the extended nature of her apprenticeship provided the time and supportive environment she needed to develop both personally and professionally. Unlike shorter internships, the hands-on learning and meaningful work experience over three years allowed Ja’Nae to grow her skills, gradually build deeper relationships, and take on increasing responsibilities that fostered genuine confidence.
This transformation was evident to everyone around her. "Those who've known me before can attest to how far I've come," she noted, highlighting one of her most significant accomplishments: "developing greater confidence in communicating with others." Under the mentorship of her supervisor Briyana Newby, who met with Ja'Nae weekly regardless of her busy schedule, she learned the importance of speaking up, asking questions, and trusting in her ability to complete tasks. These regular check-ins covered not only professional development but also personal and academic challenges, creating a holistic support system that enabled Ja'Nae's growth.
Building Skills and Lasting Connections
Ja'Nae's apprenticeship experience went far beyond typical entry-level responsibilities. She took on meaningful projects that allowed her to develop project management skills - she's currently pursuing her Associate in Project Management certification - while building "meaningful, lasting relationships—not only within my immediate team but also across the wider organization."
The depth of these connections became evident in memorable moments that Ja'Nae will carry with her throughout her career. From organizing the team's Hocus Pocus Halloween event to being surprised by her colleagues at a morning meeting for her birthday, her apprenticeship created genuine workplace relationships that extend beyond formal job duties. "I've learned how to advocate for myself when facing challenges, which has been incredibly valuable," Ja'Nae shared.
The Power of Comprehensive Support Systems
Ja'Nae's success was made possible by a network of support that demonstrates the collaborative nature of effective apprenticeship programs. Her high school, Friendship Technology Preparatory Academy, provided crucial schedule flexibility when needed. At Accenture, her supervisor Briyana Newby and the apprentice program team offered understanding and support, especially during times when academic responsibilities became overwhelming. CareerWise DC staff consistently checked in, ensuring she had the resources and guidance needed to succeed.
This comprehensive support system enabled Ja'Nae to navigate the challenges of balancing life with professional responsibilities, a feat that requires coordination across multiple organizations and stakeholders.
Looking Forward: Professional Growth and Networking
The apprenticeship has fundamentally influenced Ja'Nae's approach to her future career and academic goals. "This apprenticeship has influenced me to go for every professional opportunity I have access to before I finish college," she explained. "It has also taught me that networking is one of the most important things to prioritize in your workspace."
Ja’Nae will attend North Carolina A&T University this fall majoring in engineering, where she will apply her experience at Accenture to similar STEM-related courses and professional experiences.
Advice for Future Apprentices
Drawing from her transformation from a shy, overthinking high school student to a confident professional, Ja'Nae offers straightforward advice for future apprentices: "Go in with an open mind, don't doubt yourself, always ask questions, and most importantly be yourself! Most of the time, doubt kills more dreams than failure ever can."
Apprenticeships provide a safe space for individuals to discover their capabilities, build confidence, and develop both technical and interpersonal skills that will serve them throughout their careers.
Apprenticeships Transform Lives: CityWorks DC's Commitment to Holistic Development
Ja'Nae's experience demonstrates how CareerWise DC creates opportunities for individuals to discover and develop their full potential. Her journey from a reserved high school student to a confident professional who advocates for herself and builds meaningful workplace relationships shows the transformative power of long-term, supported work-based learning.
We're proud to support young professionals like Ja'Nae, who exemplify how apprenticeships can serve as launching pads for both career success and personal growth. To learn more about how CityWorks DC can help you build a career foundation through hands-on learning, visit cityworksdc.org/programs.
