Career Counseling

• How do I choose a major?
• How do I learn more about careers?
• Am I on the right track?
• Can I gain experience while I'm still in school?
• Where can I get help with resume writing and interviewing?
• How do I go about doing a job search?

Career Counseling is...
Self-Assessment + Career Exploration + Preparation + Action

Self-Assessment

• Self-Directed Search (self-assessment questionnaire)
• SIGI Plus computer self-assessment
• Other exercises / tips

Career-Exploration

• Research career fields (Bergen's Library has a great site for doing research- click "Electronic Resources" then "Internet Sites by Subject" and then "Career and Job Information")
• Informational interviews (talk to people in the field)
• Find the right kind of work (part-time/summer jobs, volunteer work) - Look at the job listings in the Career Development Center
• Get involved with activities on campus and in the community related to fields of interest
• Do Co-op or Service Learning
• Study abroad. Bergen students can spend a summer, a semester, or an academic year studying in one of over 30 countries.
• Read literature on different careers
• Join a national association related to field of interest

Preparation

• Write a resume
• Write a cover letter
• Perform a job search
• Develop a portfolio
• Write a thank you letter
• Workshops on campus

Action

• Apply for positions
• Prepare for interviews
• Business etiquette
• Eating etiquette (when on an interview)

Programs

Career Development Workshops

Each semester, workshops will be offered covering resume writing and interviewing skills. These workshops will run 1 hour in length, with sessions being held both during the day and in the evening. Sign up forms are located outside of Room C-100 and A-125, or you may register by calling 447-7171.

Full-Time and Part-Time Jobs

Bergen Community College's Career Development Center has partnered with E-Campus Recruiter to provide students the opportunity to view open job listings and to apply quickly, efficiently, and free of charge. If you are a student looking for a job, click this link: www.ecampusrecruiter.com/bergen.

On-Campus Recruitment

Local organizations know the value of a Bergen Community College student working for them, and thus, come to campus to recruit students for employment with their company. Throughout the semester, representatives from companies arrive on campus and sit outside the cafeteria on the second floor of the Main Building. If you are looking for employment or to change jobs, stop by to talk to them. And do not assume you know what positions they are advertising. A local bank may not be looking for tellers, but for computer specialists to operate in their computer help center.

Job Fair

Each spring and fall semester, the Cooperative Education & Career Development Center hosts a Job Fair, where area organizations arrive on campus to discuss with students the job openings they have available. Contact the Center at 447-7171 to learn more about this program.