Busy center leads to jobs

Published in Long Beach City College's Viking newspaper in 2005.

Career office helps students find work on and off campus.

The Career and Job Services Center at LBCC provides opportunities for students and members of the community to locate jobs, either on campus or off, and supplies multiple resources allowing students to explore various career paths.
Outside the career center on the LAC stands a four-sided kiosk displaying information for current job opportunities. Outside the career center on the PCC, in building AA, a bulletin board has similar information.
"Usually students come in through word-of-mouth, counselors or instructors," career development technician Sonia Verduzco said. "We have slow periods, but we're also busy at times with many student inquiries."
According to the center's brochure, career counseling and assessment is available by scheduling an appointment.
Appointments are scheduled one week in advance, one week at a time and counseling sessions usually involve two to three one-hour meetings with a counselor.
Student Zac Phan said, "The Career Center hired me through the federal work study program. It has helped me get to know myself."
Students show I.D., then proceed to fill out an application for job referral services or an intake form to begin the process of contacting an employer. Employers are contacted through the career center to verify the situation.
"Students employed through our system keep numbers high and prove the center's importance to the campus," Verduzco said.
"Students are required to carry 12 units while working as a college work-study or student assistant," PCC Career Center's Ruth Abair said. "The salary may vary, however, as a general rule, it is minimum wage."
Campus departments will advertise their need for new employees. "Department jobs are rare," Verduzco said. "Sometimes orientations take place to recruit students for available positions. The best way would be to put together a resume and cover letter and do some door-knocking."
The LAC center may be contacted at 938-4283 and the PCC center number is 938-3917.