Even though many students have no idea that it exists here on campus, TJC’s Department of Career Services serves as a resource for students who and for those need help finding a job.
Annie Lan, coordinator of Career Services (CS), is hidden in a corner office in Pirtle Technology, Room 128 on the first floor. With a bubbly personality, she has a desire to help students with undecided majors, resume and cover letter resources and references to high-paying jobs and careers in the student’s interest.
Lan understands that the department is not well-known by all the students on campus, but she is in the process of updating the Web site to provide more information.
In recent months, employers have been laying off thousands of employees due to the recession. CS offers hope to wary students looking for employment.
“I want to see students go from backpacks to briefcases,” Lan said.
Because the interview process has become more competitive, CS offers interviewing resources to help students. Resources also include computer help with resumes and cover letters from books and Lan herself.
Students can narrow choices by taking career assessments such as a personality test, and an “interest inventory,” which narrows down careers that may be of interest.
When students at TJC get ready to transfer to a four-year school, they must research universities that offer their major.
Lan recently put together a pamphlet that includes “Myths and Facts About College Majors” and contains information about choosing and changing majors.
On March 23, CS will be holding a job fair from 1-4 p.m. in the Apache Rooms for the Allied Health and Nursing students. More than 30 employers will be attending.
The department is open to students to walk in and find what they need at their own convenience.
The CS department can be found in Pirtle Technology, Room 128, open from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information, check the TJC Web site under Career Services.
