Ready to Start Your Job Search? DVC Career Services Has Your Back
Jun 28, 2023
Alexander Tran spent five years working as a computer systems engineer, but felt he needed to make a change.
“I decided to pursue a career in accounting. I’m majoring in business administration at DVC, and then plan to transfer to a UC school and earn my CPA certification,” said Tran.
Tran has found the support and resources available at DVC’s Career and Transfer Center to be truly invaluable.
“The guidance I received helped push me in a better direction, and also clarified some of the complexities of the transfer process. They really helped me map out my career path,” said Tran.
Tran also benefited from job search support services and attended workshops to prepare for the campus career fair.
“Through the resume review service, I was able to polish my resume. I brought copies of my resume to the career fair, and had several interviews during the event,” said Tran.
Students helping students
Aaron Kim found out about the Career and Transfer Center from friends working there.
“I noticed they seemed to understand how to make an effective plan for themselves, which I knew I lacked. I realized the Career and Transfer Center was exactly where I needed to be,” said Kim.
Kim comes from a family of immigrant restaurant workers and will be the first in his family to obtain a bachelor’s degree.
“After high school, both academic planning and basic career skills felt foreign to me. The pandemic and online learning left me pretty disillusioned,” said Kim.
After accessing support from the Center, Kim decided to major in political science, He also became a peer advisor to help other students find their path.
“When a student feels overwhelmed, I see myself. I think some of my most impactful experiences at the Center are moments when I helped students realize that things were not as dire as they believed them to be,” said Kim.
Like Kim, Marisol Ochoa is also a first-generation college student and peer advisor in the Career and Transfer Center.
“A lot of students come in confused and have no idea where to start. I provide information
and resources, and help them look for jobs with Handshake,” said Ochoa.
Ochoa encourages students to access the career services available at DVC. Her time as a peer advisor has helped grow her confidence as she pursues a career in education. After graduating with her associate in science in early childhood education, Ochoa plans to transfer to San Francisco State University to obtain her bachelor’s degree.
“I want to teach a bilingual class at an elementary school so I can provide extra support for students. I know what it’s like having to learn a second language other than the one you grew up with,” said Ochoa.
Job search skills for now, for life
“We see all kinds of students here, ranging from recent high school grads who have never created a resume to non-traditional students who have gone through college and are now coming back to get that extra certification because they are changing careers. These students might have a lot of work experience, but it may be in a completely different field so they need to create a resume that elevates their newly-learned skills,” said Marina Varela, the interim senior program coordinator for career services at DVC.
Varela encourages students to ask for a mock interview to develop greater professionalism in their communication.
“The mock interview begins the moment they arrive for their appointment and approach the front desk, all the way until they leave. I provide feedback afterwards, so they know where they did well and where they need to improve,” said Varela.
Varela feels she connects with students because she comes from a place of understanding.
“I actually spent four years as a DVC student because I didn’t want to ask for help. I didn’t realize that it was their job, that all these resources were there for me to access. That’s what I want DVC students to know – that we are here for them,” said Varela.
For more information, visit career support services at DVC.
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