In a time where many students are struggling to find jobs, Fresno City College is striving to provide students with the necessary skills, education and ability.
“Data shows that students that work on campus are good academically,” says Cindy Dunn, the Career and Employment Center coordinator.
Fresno City College’s Employment Resource Center and Career Center have recently joined together and become the Career and Employment Center.
The Career and Employment Center helps students get prepared for job interviews, offer resume and cover letter writing workshops. They also hold mock interviews, schedule one-on-one consultations with job developers and give student portfolio assistance. Students are allowed to fax and copy anything job related.
“You must be physically and mentally ready for interviews,” said Karin Collins, job developer.
On the Career and Employment Center website, students can find job listings, get information about jobs e-mailed to them, obtain career information and register for local government jobs on calopps.org.
“You need to know yourself to know what you want,” said career counselor Lilly Hernandez. “You have to be able to tell the employers what type of job you want to apply for and how it is good for you both physically and mentally”.
A job fair will be available at FCC on Sept. 26. It will be held in the cafeteria from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. The Career and Employment Center also has workshops to help students choose their major, write a resume or prepare for a job interview. Each workshop usually takes an hour.
The next major workshops will be held on Sept. 20, 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.; oct. 18, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. and Nov. 15, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. All workshops are free and students can sign up in the Career and Employment Center, LI-146.
All current FCC students as well as alumni are eligible to apply for jobs on campus. There is no limit for alumni to apply for jobs. Both full-time and part-time jobs are offered, as well as Federal Work-Study. About 10 – 20 percent of jobs on campus are offered to Federal Work-Study recipients only.
“On average about 1200 – 1300 people show up at the job fairs held at Fresno City College. You must come prepared by dressing appropriately, being on time, having a positive attitude and having your resume on hand,” said Karin Collins.
The amount a student employee is paid depends on their experience, customer service abilities and normal job skills. Federal Work-Study employees get paid minimum wage at $8 per hour.
According to Collins, the average hourly pay for student employees is determined by what type of student aide they are. Students are usually considered to be either division one, two or three depending on their skill and experience levels.
“Now everyone is getting paid as student aide No. 1 due to budget cuts,” said student employee, Pachoua Yang, division one employee.
According to Yang, being a student employee gives students a flexible school and work schedule hours, allowing them to be more engaged in the studies.The staff employers work around the student’s school schedule so it’s easier to go to work and school.
Students(who exactly?) also say that the other benefit from being a student employee is becoming a lot more social with both co-workers and students, and making new friends. They learn how to become more professional as well.
“Being a student employee helps you earn work skills and gives you job experience,” said Yang.
There is a health career fair for the Student Nursing Association on Nov. 8. There will also be one in the spring.
The Career and Employment Center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Information is available on their website, www.jobs.fresnocitycollege.edu, or by calling 559-442-8294.
