This content was published: November 22, 2013. Phone numbers, email addresses, and other information may have changed.
Career Guidance courses lead to improved success in school and life
Photos and story by Deborah Crawford
Do these themes sound familiar? -“What job do I want?”, “How do I plan a budget?” or “I have no idea how to study for a test or take notes in class.”
These are common themes facing many college students today and PCC is no exception. In an effort to answer some of these concerns, along with other options for personal and academic growth, the College Success and Career Guidance courses are providing answers and options.
Career Guidance instructor Jackie Elliot teaches a CG 100 course to more than 25 students during fall term. Like many Career Guidance instructors, Elliot is also a counselor in the Sylvania Counseling Center and feels strongly the classes give students a better chance at being successful.
Career guidance classes range in topics from College Survival and Success (CG 100: providing information and techniques for time, money and self-management) to Job Finding Skills (CG 209: exploring a broad range of job searching techniques and the job application process) as well as everything between the two.
“Some students don’t even know what their learning style is, or how they learn and these classes enable them to be successful throughout college,” said Karen Paez, division dean for Student Support Services.
Based on a study conducted by Institutional Effectiveness in May, looking at data from 2008 to the 2012, those students who complete a College Survival and Success class are statistically more likely to stay in school and be successful than those who do not, regardless of the student’s proficiency level in math and writing. The courses offered range from one to four credits and provide hard and soft skills related to academics and personal growth.
When asked who should take a career guidance course, instructor and counselor Sonya Bedient said, “Anyone who needs help reaching their goals, or someone who doesn’t know what their goals are.”
Student Jonmarc Ross believes that these courses are the best way for students to access both internal and external resources. CG 101 is a one credit course that offers a one credit tuition waiver for the following term if you pass the course with a “C” or better – basically making the class free.
For more information about CG courses, or if you have questions about what the best course for you might be, you can visit the office in CC 216 at the Sylvania Campus, or call the advising and counseling office at (971) 722-4531.