Del Mar prides itself on preparing students for the workforce, and many of its programs are a straight shot into certain professions such as dentistry, therapy, automotive technology and similar fields. But while Del Mar prepares students for the technical side of employment, many still struggle where it really counts — getting hired. Proper format for resumes and interview skills aren’t taught as part of the curriculum but are some of the biggest deciding factors in whether a student will get that job they’ve been trained for.
The Career Development center held an Employer TALKS event in late March on West Campus with a focus on industry to try to ensure that students would be able to overcome the hurdles of job hunting. Representatives from Chemours, Celanese, Lyondell Basell and more were present at the event to answer questions students had about what they were looking for and what made applicants stand out to them.
“I love that they answered everyone’s questions and explained it thoroughly,” Kevin Lopez said. “I want to get the job I apply for.”
Packets were handed out as students walked in, complete with Del Mar’s “Hire ME Handbook,” which had guides students could take home on professional procedures and tips for success.
“We want to iron out and ease any apprehension they have about starting their career. They have no idea how to make a good resume or nail an interview. Here they hear it straight from the horse’s mouth and I think that makes it more memorable,” said Vanessa Adkins, career development coordinator at Del Mar.
The presentation at the event detailed the do’s and don’ts of resume writing and had helpful tips for potential employees, like what to avoid when searching for jobs, including being careless on social media.
“Don’t do anything you think will come back to haunt you,” said Lyondell Basell representative Diana Gonzalez. “Odds are it will.
Students could leave the event with the knowledge that they were more prepared to apply and interview for the jobs in their field after hearing directly from employees at these industrial companies what to do, or what not to do.
“You have to keep it simple and to the point. They gave us a lot of info on what not to do. You don’t want to go in their blind,” said Joseph Dominguez, a student in the processing technology program. “I want to know what these companies are looking for and what to expect. Our instructors are good at letting us know but I wanted to see for myself.”
While the Office of Career Development has held these types of events for the English and justice fields, this was only the second talk aimed at industry majors. They hope to hold another industry event in August and more talks in a variety of fields in the future.
Students don’t have to wait for these events to get help though, Any student can visit the Career Resource Center in Room 190 of the Harvin Center for help with resumes and for answers to any questions they may have.
“There’s a saying, ‘Career readiness is career happiness,’” Adkins said. “This kind of help is not preparing for just a job or a class, it’s for life.”
