From Construction to Customer Care: Robert Amis Builds a New Career

After years of physically demanding work, Robert Amis of Tooele County was ready for a more sustainable career. Through Utah State University Extension’s Rural Online Initiative (ROI), he strengthened his job-search and remote work skills and secured a hybrid position as a member advocate with Collective Health in Lehi.

Robert previously worked in construction and operated his own LLC. After closing his business, he moved into other types of employment, including warehouse work. Although he enjoyed construction, one of the most meaningful parts of his work was taking care of customers and making sure they were satisfied. He wanted to continue using those strengths, but needed help preparing for a different type of workplace.

"After years of being hard on my body physically and wanting to further utilize my talents, I feel I’ve been given another chance at customer care,” Robert said.

While unemployed and looking for a better opportunity, Robert enrolled in the Rural Online Initiative’s Certified Remote Work Professional^© course through USU Extension. He wanted to strengthen the skills needed to pursue remote and hybrid positions and learn how to present his experience to employers.

With guidance from ROI program specialists, Robert improved his LinkedIn profile, updated his résumé, and practiced professional digital communication.

USU helped me fine-tune my LinkedIn page and present myself in a positive light overall. We went over email and how to send a professional document, as well as how to update and fine-tune our résumés.

That preparation helped Robert make an exciting career change. He was hired as a member advocate in a hybrid role with Collective Health, where he now works with a supportive team dedicated to helping healthcare members understand their benefits.

“I get to work with amazing people and have an opportunity to touch a number of lives,” he said.

Robert’s hybrid schedule makes the opportunity more accessible from his home in Tooele County. Rather than commuting to Lehi five days a week, he works in the office two days and from a dedicated home office for the rest of the week. His employer also provides the equipment he needs to work remotely.

The position offers competitive pay, training, support, and opportunities for advancement. As Robert gains experience, he hopes to move into a specialized team where he can assist members with ongoing needs or claim issues.

For Robert, the new position is more than a change in where he works. It gives him a sustainable way to leverage his customer service strengths, continue developing professionally, and build a rewarding career without having to relocate.

Robert encourages others who want to expand their employment options, especially those who live a significant distance from potential employers, to explore the resources available through USU Extension.

If anyone you know could benefit or lives an hour away from the office, I strongly encourage you to seek out USU and all they have to offer. USU, and especially the ROI Extension program, are top-notch and completely awesome.

Robert's story shows what's possible when rural Utahns get the right training: better jobs, without leaving home. It's proof that remote work training helps rural communities stay strong.