Cooperative Education offers career experience

The gloves come off when students and graduates of SCC step into the rink of today's workforce.

"When I was younger I would go for a job and they would say, 'What experience do you have?' 'Well, I don't have any experience.' 'Well, we need to hire someone with experience.' Then you get into the (spiral) of, 'How am I going to get the experience if you won't give me the experience?' The Career and Education Service (CES) is an excellent way to do that," says director Cyndi DeBoer.

The rigorous, on-campus training is free for students .

The biggest decoy is the welcoming, ear-to-ear smile of office coordinator, Cathy Robles.

"The first thing they do is…they usually talk to Cathy," laughs Fonda Christopher, program adviser. "Cathy finds out what kind of services they need."

Students primarily visit the Career Center when they are looking for a job. It's the prime location for local employers to post openings. There is a direct link at www.scottsdalecc.edu/career on the left-hand side directory.

"If students are interested in seeking employment, this is where they should come."

The employees don't just throw students into the rink. They train them to fight first.

"The job market is so tight right now. You always have to think about how you are going to stand out," Christopher says.

By appointment, Christopher meets with students to create a resume.

"It doesn't matter if they have never done a resume or if they already have one, we are here and we provide resume reviews-same thing with cover letters," she says.

To assist in the resume and cover letter process, students are given a packet that gives tips, examples, and suggestions to use.

Standing behind her expertise, Christopher follows the students through the process of having a strong resume.

Once Christopher helps make students look acceptable on paper, she prepares them for the dreaded interview questions.

"Most people, including me, are nervous when it comes to interviewing and the more you practice, the more at ease and relaxed you are going to feel and the stronger you will come across," Christopher said.

Mock interviews are another one of the Career Center's services.

Proper etiquette, such as the proper way to follow up an interview with a "Thank You" letter, is another understanding students will walk away with.

Pressures to declare a major are unavoidable and result in high-stress levels for students. The department helps with that too.

DISCOVER is software available in the Career Center for student use. After being issued a username and password, the process begins by taking an assessment test. Careers, major maps, colleges and university suggestions are then given based on individual interests, abilities and values.

DeBoer explains that, "You want to make sure that you are compatible with your major and this is a great way to find out if you are. You may be compatible with the major, but not compatible with the job you chose in that major."

Students earn credits for working in a job related to their career combining classroom theory with supervised work.

The faculty coordinator, student employee and employer meet and set objectives for the semester. The class pertaining to a student's major can reach a maximum of four credits per semester. One objective is set per credit by the faculty coordinator and employer.

DeBoer says, "This gives student's the opportunity to be out in the work world with employers; it's networking."

There is a mandatory orientation and dinner that students participate in. The dinner is prepared by the SCC culinary department and is held at The Desert Oasis Restaurant. This meal consists of five courses where students mingle with professionals.

The Career Center can be reached at (480) 423-6523.