General
Q: Who can benefit from our services?
A: Everyone! Recent high school graduates, non-grads, high school students and other young adults; students undecided on or changing their college major; adult learners involved in a variety of life transitions; career changers; re-entry women and men; single parents or displaced homemakers; non-traditional students entering a field dominated by the opposite sex; disadvantaged and minority individuals; economic casualties--laid-off and downsized and displaced homemakers (empty-nesters, recently divorced, etc.)
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Career
Q: Who needs career planning?
A: Anyone who is undecided, uncertain, or unsure about choosing their major or career. Anyone who is changing their career. Anyone who wants to know their options in the world of work.
Q: What can we do for you?
A: We can help you identify career goals, develop strategies for implementing those goals, re-enter the educational system & the labor force, discover the skills hidden in your background that will open the doors to a more successful, fulfilling life and accomplish your goals through counseling, referrals & job search.
Q: How do you choose a major, a career or set goals that are right for you?
A: We think the key for such choices begins with a realistic assessment of your values, interests, personality, skills and future goals. Your goal may be to acquire a certificate, degree, or transfer. You may wish to change careers, begin a career or develop new skills. Or, you may want to take courses for personal growth and enjoyment. Whichever goals you identify, we can help you plan a program that will meet your needs. We'll explore options with you--possibly find ones you hadn't realized you had--and specific career areas which might match your needs. We'll talk with you about the labor market and how to investigate it. We'll help you explore job search techniques including résumé writing and interviewing skills. We will provide support for you throughout the process. Our goal is to help you have a positive, rewarding experience at Cypress College in preparing for your future.
Q: How can career counseling help you?
A: The career counselors assist you in choosing a major, selecting careers, disseminating and evaluating career assessments, and guiding you through the goal setting and decision making process. The career counselors assist with all aspects of the job search process including researching the possibilities and helping you get the career you desire through effective job search tactics, résumé writing and interviewing techniques.
Q: Do you need an appointment to see a career/re-entry counselor?
A: Yes, counselors are available FREE OF CHARGE on an appointment basis. Please call us at (714) 484-7120 to schedule your appointment.
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Career Assessments
Q: Do you need career assessments and how do you take them?
A: Career assessments are tools used to help assess your interests, abilities, personality, values, skills, work and life experiences. This is one way to help you decide on your occupational and/or educational goals. To take a career assessment you need to enroll in one of our career classes or make an individual appointment with a career/re-entry counselor who will help evaluate what tools you need.
Q: Is there a charge for taking career assessments?
A: Yes, we charge a fee for assessments to cover our expenses related to these tests. Charges are typically $3.00 - $18.00 per inventory.
Q: Why should you take career assessments with a qualified career counselor when there are plenty of free assessments available on the Internet?
A: The old adage is true . . . You get what you pay for. The RELIABILITY and VALIDITY of the assessments offered through the Career Center, as well as the KNOWLEDGE and GUIDANCE of the career counselors is beneficial if you're serious about your career search. Many free and/or online assessments are simply not reliable and accurate. Studies have shown these “free” assessments are (1) limited and provide varying interpretations for results; (2) most sites don’t list names or qualifications of the developers of the assessments; and (3) the reliability and validity – whether at face value or compared with more standard career assessments – are unknown.
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Job Placement
Q: Does the Career Planning Center post job openings or have a job board?
A: No. The Career Planning Center is NOT a Job Placement Office. If you are an employer or a person looking for employment, please contact the Fullerton College Workforce Center at (714) 992-7734 or (714) 992-7261. Also, we have provided some links to job search
sites which you might find useful.
Q: What is the difference between Job Placement and Career Planning?
A: Job Placement at a community college meets the needs of students looking for work to support them through their education. A community college Career Center assists in identifying, exploring and researching future employment to support one’s life values and goals.
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Re-entry
Q: Who is considered a re-entry student?
A: A student is considered a re-entry adult if they are 25 years or older, have a 3-5 year gap in their education, female or male interested in pursuing a non-traditional career, single parent, professional returning to school, vocational student, displaced homemaker, late life career changer, or a welfare to work participant.
Q: What services do we offer for re-entry students?
A: The Adult Re-entry Program assists adults returning to school make a smooth transition, overcome barriers unique to returning adults, and successfully attain their college goals. Services include counseling, classes, workshops, research library, community and campus resources and scholarship information.
Q: How do you get started with the Adult Re-entry Program?
A: Please call (714) 484-7120 to schedule a counseling appointment.
Q: Does the Cypress College Adult Re-entry Program offer a scholarship?
A: Yes, as funding allows. Applications are available at the Career Planning Center from January-March for the following Fall semester. Please call (714) 484-7120 in January/February to inquire about the availability of funds.
Q: What criteria is used for awarding an Adult Re-entry Scholarship?
A: The criteria used for awarding scholarships include: demonstration of financial need, minimum G.P.A. of 2.50, presently enrolled in 6 or more units, completion at Cypress College of one semester as a full-time student or 12 units, actively involved in the Adult Re-entry Program, planning to attend Cypress College during the upcoming fall semester.
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