Page 54 - Demo

CAREER SERVICES
Career Awareness is the Key to a Targeted Job Search.
From the moment students walk through the doors of DEC, the journey toward the career goal begins. The Career Services Department will be there to support and guide students in setting career goals, establishing strategies to reach those goals, and developing an employment plan of action. We will provide the necessary job seeking skills and tools to confidently and independently conduct a well-organized job search.
DEC’s Exclusive Concierge Service Will Help Match Your Skill Sets to Potential Employers
Students will be provided with resources to create resumes, build career profiles, assemble portfolios (where applicable in a student’s program of study), and practice interviewing. Students are always welcome to visit the staff members in the Career Services Department for career advice and guidance. The Career Services Department works closely with each student to identify his/her strengths while also discussing the industry and geographic location in which he/she wishes to work. They will provide skill and career assessment through classroom presentations, workshops, and one-on-one meetings.
All students have access to a specialized web-based program at DEC that allows them to build online career profiles, generate job searches via several desired zip codes, create resumes in different formats, directly apply to job leads, receive automated job lead notifications. The Career Services Department works hand-in-hand with students in building their career profiles and conducting program-specific job searches using the student’s skills, interests, licensing and certifications (if applicable).
The Career Services Department also shares job leads and career-related announcements/resources via social media, email, and the DEC app.
Use the Resources Provided to Learn and Energize Your Career Search.
Students will be given an orientation of the library and demonstrations on how to use the career resources the Career Services Department has researched and made available. Students will have full access to numerous websites and resources, which include assistance in such areas as career preparation, resumes, interviewing, and cover letters, as well as links to resources related to DEC curricula.
At various points in a student’s lifecycle, the Career Services Department will conduct presentations geared toward discovering the diversity of each chosen industry and the different job opportunities. Examples of job types and industry types will be provided and discussed. Students will explore the different job opportunities through research on related websites and software provided by Career Services.
Extensive time is also devoted to discussing the freelance job market and/or business startups with students who are more likely to work in a freelance or sole proprietorship occupation. Strategies are provided and discussed regarding the initial startup of their own businesses; including information such as pricing, professional tax information, business filing, etc.
Additionally, DEC provides access to a photography studio. A professional photographer is available by appointment and photographs are provided in both print and digital format.
To Be Successful in a Career, You Must Be Prepared, Proactive and Persistent
Students will also meet one-on-one with the Career Services Department during their final semester / instructional period to discuss finalized career plans. Together, they will explore all career options which will include skill areas of expertise, specific company data, and geographic location, if applicable.
Even though the Career Services Department is dedicated to student success, each individual student is the most important component of the job search. DEC cannot guarantee employment.
LEARNING RESOURCE CENTER / LIBRARY
Douglas Education Center’s (DEC) main school library is located in the Van Keulen Complex at 531 Schoonmaker Avenue. Students have access to the Learning Resource Center (LRC) which is equipped with computers and printers for research needs. Students can look up books, periodicals and movie materials by title and/or subject matter. A library attendant is available to assist students when searching for materials.
The Library is accessible between 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. weekdays. If a library attendant is not available at the check-out counter, anyone in the Career Services Department can assist. The Career Services Department is located in the same area as the LRC. Food or drinks are not permitted in any area of the Library or the LRC.
All students must present a valid student ID when checking out materials. The Career Services staff is always available to help with research and other library related needs. Books, periodicals, and DVD materials circulate for a period of two weeks. Instructors and staff can check-out library material for any length of time with the intent to return all materials. Reserve materials may be used in the library or as requested by the instructor. Fines and other charges for overdue materials are $.25
Page 54 of 88 Catalog Volume 62 -Version 3 Effective June 5, 2020