Career Success Skills Training

Work study offers students the opportunity for a brighter future

Linn-Benton held the first Career Success Skills Training workshop in its 40 year history. Feedback from employers came flooding in, and career counselors came together and put a plan into action. Thus the workshop was born.

Once a week, for four weeks, a group of work study students gathered with one sole purpose: to create a professional persona to prepare for career success after college.

There were five work study students consistently in attendance.

“I really enjoyed the workshop a lot,” said Jesica Coronado, accounting clerk student. “I would definitely recommend this to others. It is such a great opportunity and learning experience.”

The staff teaching the workshop had a written outcome prepared. It was, “Students will self-assess their career readiness skills, identify universal characteristics of workplace professionalism, understand the expectations for a diverse workforce, and develop a plan to become a quality employee.”

The group met every Thursday from noon to 1:20 p.m. for one month. Meetings were held in Red Cedar Hall room 207.

“Learn these skills here and now,” said Sandra Shinkle, counselor and teaching faculty.

The first was held on April 23. At the start introductions were made. Several topics were discussed during the initial meeting such as purpose, learning outcomes, work study evaluation, and effective communication skills.

“These are the skills to keep a job,” said David Bird, cooperative work experience coordinator.

The second meeting was April 30. Bird discussed how to recognize how boundaries, critical thinking, and problem solving skills are associated.

The third meeting was held on May 7. Topics covered were diverse workplace environment, cultural fluency and professional workplace standards. A video was watched called “Cultural Competence: Managing Your Prejudices.” The video can be found on YouTube.

“I have more confidence in myself, and I have new ways of coping with any issues that may arise at any point in my career,” said Coronado.

The fourth and final meeting was held on May 14. It was a presentation in Forum 104. Three guest speakers: David Blake, OSU assistant vice president and human resources officer, Laurie Roe, AVP of organizational development from Oregon State Credit Union, and Jason Tyner, PHR manager human resources from ATI Specialty Alloys and Components.

The presentation started off with a brief video called “Bring Your ‘A’ Game.” It was then followed by an introduction from the speakers. Each speaker gave advice regarding the do’s and don’ts of landing a job. First impression matters, do plenty of research, and be well acquainted with soft skills.

“Be bold,” said Blake.

Following the presentation, the floor was open to attendees for questions. Questions were asked about how to make a resume move to the top of the pile, how to prepare for the real world, and advice for people freshly out of college and looking for work. Each question was answered in depth.

After questions had concluded David Bird summed up the presentation and thanked the speakers for coming. Audience and speakers had a chance to meet and exchange business cards.

“The information that I received was beneficial in one way or another,” said Coronado. “I was missing bits and pieces of certain spots, and with the class I was able to find those missing pieces and learn how to fix them.”