Meet Charles Osugo, PPL Office Specialist Graduate

Charles Osugo came to PPL after a chance encounter at the Minnesota legislature. He was attending a “Lunch and Learn” in conjunction with The Link, a non-profit with a mission to end youth homelessness. After meeting with lawmakers, he spoke with a lieutenant at the Hennepin County Sheriff’s department. She recommended that Charles explore career training options at PPL. The lieutenant said he had a very “calming voice” and the Public Records department could use a person like him to interact with the public. 

Charles already had 18 months of clerical experience, but he knew he could benefit from additional training and an inside track with the county. He began the PPL Office Specialist program in August, 2024, and graduated in November. Charles said he particularly appreciated the Microsoft Office skills and confidentiality standards training, and Hennepin County networking opportunities. After taking a personal strengths finder test, he leaned into his top five and sought out additional coffee meetings with industry professionals. After some difficult life challenges, Charles said that this helped him gain his confidence back. 

Charles had applied to the county before the Office Specialist program, but never got an interview. However, since graduating, he secured three interviews and eventually accepted an Office Specialist 3 position with the Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Office—close to the exact title he was seeking! 

Charles’ aspirations have no limits. While he is thrilled to begin his new role, he hopes to become a Hennepin County Commissioner. His parents are from Kenya and as a first-generation American, he has had to overcome hurdles both personal and professional. Charles said, “I’ve learned from life that it’s over when you give up – if you take another step, you keep going.” 

Charles’ journey is a bright example of the meaningful impact that PPL’s Career Readiness services—and individual initiative and perseverance—can make in program participants and communities.