Students learn strategies for choosing, obtaining jobs
by Jason Albus, Reporter

   “The resume gives the employer an indication of who you are, but the interview is the most important obstacle to getting the job.”- Amos McCluney,counselor.

   Freshman Solinda Tan was a little scared about her future before she attended Career Exploration last week on NE Campus. She left, along with other TCC students, with some direction.
   “I’m about to be 21 and still don’t know what to do,” she said.
   Mitch Snyder, sophomore, said he was hoping to find “insight on my career path.” He found himself in possession of career development knowledge and both door prizes at the conclusion of the speech.
   Amos McCluney, counselor and computer science and math advisor for NE Campus, designed the workshop to help students attain tools to develop career goals and college plans
   McCluney’s main focus was on how to discover goals to fit one’s personality and natural talents.
   A key element in the process can involve the Strong-Campbell Interest Inventory, a tool available from the counseling center. It identifies potential career fields for students.
   McCluney provided information on interview preparation and facts about the hiring process. Making contacts and networking were two vital ingredients he described.
   McCluney also gave examples of his personal career path as well as that of others.
   “First, you must ask who you are,” he said.
   McCluney said people fall into six skill categories or a combination of several. He suggested the Strong-Campbell Interest    Inventory as a method of uncovering students’ abilities.
   “Set a target and focus in that direction,” he said. “It takes preparation, commitment and dedication to succeed.”
   McCluney offered some attainable goals for students to make contacts and gather references.
   “Go to the dean’s or the president’s office, make an appointment or leave a number. By letting them know who you are, you can enlist their assistance,” he said.
   Maintaining a relationship with your favorite instructors and asking their permission for a reference were other examples McCluney provided.
   “Remember, you pay our salaries. We are here to service you,” he said.
   McCluney noted the number of student resources at TCC were “the best around.”
   In addition, McCluney offered tips on preparing a resume. He recommended one-page, focused, legible and error-free resumes.
   “Do not waste time on irrelevant information, only include skills and experience that match the job,” he said.
   According to McCluney, interviews are another valuable part of the job search.
  “The resume gives the employer an indication of who you are, but the interview is the most important obstacle to getting the job,” the counselor said.
   McCluney said one has two minutes to make an impression during an interview.
   Employers notice how people dress or shake hands, and they notice personality during that initial period, McCluney said.
   “They use this impression to decide if you fit their profile,” he said.
   Once one has a job, the discovery process is not complete.
   McCluney provided an example of a successful auditor who had grown tired of his high-paying career.
   “I would rather work at McDonald’s,” the man was cited as saying.
   McCluney asked him what he truly enjoyed. The man told him he liked to repair radios. He wanted less structure, more flexibility and creativity.
   They discovered a more hands-on job would suit him better. McCluney said the man quit his corporate job and started his own business in radio repair.
   “No one will be satisfied with 100 percent of their job. But if you can enjoy 80 percent of your duties, then you have found a winner,” he said.
   McCluney has been a counselor on NE Campus for 15 years. His career also has included being a track and basketball coach, a project coordinator and a waterbed salesman.
   Concluding his presentation, McCluney offered some final advice.
   “Take a chance, take charge of your situation and take control,” he said. “What you are is not available until you search within. Nothing can stop you, but yourself.”
   At the conclusion of the event, McCluney awarded two door prizes. Snyder won both: a green appointment book and a designer pencil holder.
   For more information on career planning, contact the NE Campus counseling center at 817-515-6661.