Evening career services
offer tips on landing that dream job

Graduate career counseling students Crystal Martinez and Adan Chaidez review computerized career information to assist clients in exploring career options.

It could be a life transition, the search for a meaningful career or just the need for a change, but on average, American workers are switching jobs every three years.

The reasons people decide to begin a new job search are varied, according to Nancy Carlton, associate professor in the Department of Counselor Education, but she says one common thread remains: “The nature of today's labor market is constant change, and people find themselves needing to learn how to manage on-going career and life choices."

Help is available for the general public through the Evening Community Career Services Program. According to Beth Merritt Miller, Director of the Career Center, the program is a unique collaboration between the Department of Counselor Education and the Division of Student Affairs' Career Center. The partnership allows Sacramento State’s Career Center, Lassen Hall, room 2000, to remain open on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6 to 8 p.m.

“Some clients are exploring their options; they are in the process of making a career decision,” says Crystal Martinez, a Sacramento State graduate student who is working on a master’s degree in career counseling.

“We also help polish the resume and conduct practice for interview sessions; for example, we take the client through some of the questions they will face when interviewed by a potential employer,” Martinez adds.

"This is an excellent service for anyone who is thinking about the possibility of making a job or career change, but is not sure how to get started," according to David McVey, career counselor at Sacramento State.

The program provides assistance in a variety of areas including discovering meaningful work, decision-making and goal setting, career assessments, job search strategies, resume writing and interviewing techniques.

Participants in this program have access to the Career Center's wide range of resources, including a career resource library, computerized career information systems and information on Sacramento area employers, industries, and occupations.

Currently there are 10 master's level career counseling students providing this service. They are supervised by a Counselor Education faculty member. A one-time fee of $75 entitles the client to a semester of services.

For an appointment or more information, contact the Career Center at 278-6231.

For media assistance, contact the Sacramento State Public Affairs office at 278-6156.