News Releases
April 20, 2010For Immediate Release
For additional information:
Barbara Kerr, APR
Executive Director of
Communications and Marketing
Telephone: 360-992-2921
Email: bkerr@clark.edu
Career Days at Clark College:
The Next Step for Job Search and Career Advice
A multi-day event for students and the job seeking community
will be held at the college from May 4-6
VANCOUVER, Wash. – In response to the changing economic trends and the needs of employers, Clark College will host Career Days 2010 on May 4-6 at the college’s main campus. Career Days will combine the most successful elements of the former Pathways Career Information and Job Fair in a multi-day format.
Clark College President Robert K. Knight said, “As one of the largest community colleges in Washington state, we feel a special responsibility to reach out to students and the community during these tough economic times. We want to support them with job search skills, career preparation and connections to area industry leaders – knowing that a recovery will gain traction and jobs will start to reappear.” Knight noted, “Our hope is that hosting the event at the college will allow large numbers of students to participate – as well as members of our community.”
All events are free to students and members of the community. No registration is required. Clark College is located at 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, Vancouver. Driving directions and parking maps are available at www.clark.edu/maps.
Schedule of Events
Day 1 – May 4, 2010 – Learning the Basics
The first day of the event will feature a variety of workshops to sharpen job-seeking tools. Topics will include, job search tools, resume building, interview techniques, career exploration and networking. Workshops will be held 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Day 2 – May 5, 2010 – Skill Building
On the second day of the event, students and jobseekers will learn how to preparing for a successful career search. Offerings will include resume critiques, practice interviews, a best practices workshop, and a networking workshop.
Day 3 – May 6, 2010 – Networking
On the final day of the event, local industry leaders will share information and trends with students and job seekers through industry panels and networking.
Complete information about the event – including times and locations of the various events -- is available at www.clark.edu/cc/careerdays.
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EDITOR’S NOTE: The current rundown is as follows. As noted, updated listings for Career Days are available at www.clark.edu/cc/careerdays
LEARNING THE BASICS -- Tuesday, May 4, 2010
A variety of workshops to sharpen your job seeking tools
Job Search Tools Workshop
10-11 a.m.
Gaiser Hall (GHL) Room 213
Learn how to identify and develop the components of a successful job search campaign.
Focus on organizing and planning, locating resources and opportunities and understanding
the value of networking and marketing yourself.
Resume Building Workshop
10 -11 a.m.
Penguin Union Building (PUB) Room 258B
Learn how to market your education, skills and experiences effectively. Basic components of a resume, formatting strategies and understanding the importance of tailoring your resume to a particular position will be covered.
Career Exploration
11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
Gaiser Hall (GHL 108 – the Clark College Career Center)
Presenters from the Clark’s Career Center, Counseling and Advising will guide you through an interactive workshop. You’ll learn about tools and resources to start exploring careers, decide on a career pathway and determine your educational goals.
Interview Techniques Workshop
11 a.m. – Noon
Penguin Union Building (PUB) Room 258C
The interview is a critical step in the job search process. In this workshop you
will gain tips for successful interviewing that will leave employers impressed! Learn
how to prepare for an interview, anticipate questions you’ll be asked and how to follow
up after an interview.
Networking Workshop
Noon–1 p.m.
Penguin Union Building (PUB) Room 258C
Strengthen your networking skills. Gain information designed to help build alliances and develop relationships. Explore the value of networking and how to make your conversations count. Learn conversation starters, tips for staying connected and being a great contact for others.
Resume Building Workshop
1-2 p.m.
Gaiser Hall (GHL) Room 213
Learn how to market your education, skills and experiences effectively. Basic components of a resume, formatting strategies and understanding the importance of tailoring your resume to a particular position will be covered.
Interview Techniques Workshop
2-3 p.m.
Penguin Union Building (PUB) Room 258B
The interview is a critical step in the job search process. In this workshop you will gain tips for successful interviewing that will leave employers impressed! Learn how to prepare for an interview, anticipate questions you’ll be asked and how to follow up after an interview.
Career Fair Best Practices
2-3 p.m.
Penguin Union Building (PUB) Room 258C
Learn how to leverage your opportunities and maximize your time at career and job fairs. Tips for preparing materials and engaging potential employers will be covered.
SKILL BUILDING – Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Preparing for a successful career search
Resume Critiques
10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Penguin Union Building (PUB) Room 258C
Bring a hard copy of your resume and receive a one-on-one, personalized critique from
a trained professional. Learn how to market your skills and experience effectively
and how to make your resume stand out from the competition.
Practice Interview
10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Penguin Union Building (PUB) Room 258B
A practice interview is one of the best ways to prepare for an actual interview. Learn what you might expected in a real interview, how to answer difficult questions, and to improve your presentation. Receive constructive feedback on your interviewing skills and suggestions for what you can do to stand out from the competition.
Networking Workshop
10 11 a.m.
Gaiser Hall (GHL) Room 213
Strengthen your networking skills. Gain information designed to help build alliances
and develop relationships. Explore the value of networking and how to make your conversations
count. Learn conversation starters, tips for staying connected and being a great
contact for others.
Career Fair Best Practices Workshop
Noon–1 p.m.
Gaiser Hall (GHL) Room 213
Learn how to leverage your opportunities and maximize your time at career and job fairs. Tips for preparing materials and engaging potential employers will be covered.
NETWORKING -- Thursday, May 6, 2010
Local industry leaders share information and trends
with students and jobseekers
Industry Speaker Panels
10 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Penguin Student Lounge (Penguin Union Building Room 161)
Get employers’ perspectives about current trends and opportunities in the working
world. Panelists from local companies will describe careers in their industries,
what they look for in candidates and potential hiring opportunities. Each 90-minute
session ends with question and answer opportunities
Participating Employers (to date):
10:00 a.m. -- STEM (Science-Technology-Engineering-Math)
This session will feature employers in STEM-related fields.
Noon -- Variety: Participants include the City of Vancouver
2:00 p.m. -- Business: Participants include the Mass Mutual of Oregon Financial Services Group
Industry Trends & Networking
10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Gaiser Student Center
Community business leaders will discuss industry trends, provide labor market information,
and offer guidance in career pathways exploration and education, training and knowledge
of the future workforce.
Participating Employers (to date):
-
Boys & Girls Club of Southwest Washington
-
Building Industry AssociationCity of Vancouver
-
Clark County
-
Clark County Habitat for Humanity Restore
-
Express Employment Professionals
-
First Independent Bank
-
Fred Meyer
-
Grace Physical Training Institute
-
IQ Credit Union
-
KGW-TV Broadcasting
-
Lectant LLC
-
Legacy Health Systems
-
Linear Technology Corp.
-
Madden Industrial Craftsmen
-
Manpower
-
Mass Mutual of Oregon Financial Services Group
-
Port of Vancouver
-
UNFI – United Natural Foods