Services of Center

CAREER PLANNING

Career Planning is encouraged at any time during a student’s college experience, but is especially effective when students explore career options early in their education. Career Professionals help students develop an understanding of themselves and the world of work; they guide students in selecting an academic program, choosing a career path and preparing for employment. The Center also offers career assessment, inventories, including the computerized career assessment, SIGI Plus (an educational and career planning software that integrates self assessment with in-depth and up-to-date career information). Throughout the year there are many workshops and special events, hosted by the Cooperative Education and Career Development Center, designed to help students along their career development  journey.

EMPLOYMENT SERVICES

Employment services are available to students needing a part-time or summer job to pay expenses or a full-time position upon graduation. Students can use the current listing of employment opportunities (www.collegecentral.com/bergencc), attend a job fair or participate in on-campus recruiting. Assistance with resume writing, interviewing skills and job search strategies on an individual and/or group basis is provided for students.

FEDERAL WORK STUDY

Federal Work Study (FWS) is a federally funded program. Students who are United States citizens or permanent resident aliens may apply and be awarded federal work-study that is based on financial need. FWS students may then earn up to the award specified by the Financial Aid Office in its award letter for the academic year.

Receipt of Federal Work-Study is solely a need-based award determined when U.S. citizens and permanent resident aliens annually file a Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or an application for federal financial assistance. BCC’s Office of Financial Aid packages and notifies all students of their FWS award and monitors their earnings. Students are referred to the Cooperative Education and Career Development Center for placement on campus where positions are available.

Federal Work Study recipients who can provide their own transportation are invited to explore off campus placements at community service agencies. These positions (up to twenty hours weekly) can prove to be personally enriching while providing exposure to professional contacts that may be beneficial in furthering career goals.

COOPERATIVE EDUCATION

Cooperative Education is an academic course that integrates classroom learning with practical work experience directly related to a student’s program and career goals. While attending classes, students spend a semester working in a position directly related to their major, gaining valuable work experience and academic credit. Academic credit is awarded to those who successfully complete a weekly seminar and the work experience.

SERVICE LEARNING

While studying theory and course content in their classes, students have the opportunity to contribute to the community by volunteering in a community-based organization or non-profit agency. Students participate in Service Learning by choosing this 10-20 hour option that is offered in a number of academic courses each semester. Students have worked with social service organizations, government agencies, hospitals, mental health centers, schools and many other organizations and agencies. In addition to benefiting the community, students can be confident that Service Learning will enrich the curriculum and provide the student with a  rewarding experience.

RESUME CRITIQUE

Students may obtain a Resume Writing Guide and drop off their resume drafts for critiquing by a counselor. Resumes can be typically picked up within 72 hours. Students can visit the Career Doctor in the Student Center, Student Cafeteria or East Hall,  Monday and Thursday between 10:30am –11:30am.

ON CAMPUS RECRUITMENT

Employers, offering full-time, part-time, and temporary positions, are available throughout the fall and spring semesters in front of the cafeteria.

WORKSHOPS

Learn skills required for the real world by attending workshops offered by the Career Center staff. Resume development, interviewing and job search skills are some of the topics explored. There is also helpful information offered on How to Work a Job Fair, Balancing Family and Career and an Introduction to the Culture of the American Workplace. A new schedule is offered each semester.

CAREER RESOURCE LIBRARY

Information on career fields, salaries, resume writing, interviewing techniques, and job search strategies are available in the Career Resource Library. The Career Resource Library is open Monday through Friday 9am-5pm and Tuesday 9am-7pm during the academic year. There is no need for an appointment to use the library.