If you aren’t sure what you’re doing for spring break this year, plan on attending TMCC’s Spring Break Bootcamp where you can learn expert advice from the Career Hub on the top four ways you can improve your game in the job-seeking world. We understand that vacations are important, but investing in your own professional development has the potential to be life-changing.
“We offer these workshops during Spring Break for students with other obligations or who are typically at other TMCC locations,” said Kelley Wong, Program Coordinator for the Career Hub. “Attending these workshops can also provide students with extra credit in certain classes, and can fulfill the requirement to attend job preparation training for some grants and scholarships.”
The bootcamp is strategically timed: if you’re hoping to find a summer job, these workshops will help you prepare for the application and interview process. They will also have you completely ready for the TMCC Job Fair, which is happening on April 29 at the Dandini campus.
Have a complicated schedule? We’re offering each bootcamp workshop session at different times and days throughout the week. Check out the following topics, and see how one (or all) of these workshops can be the vital next step in landing your next job.
Your Resume: It’s more than just a piece of paper.
If you haven’t put much thought into your resume, it’s time to start because the difference between a mediocre one and a great one could be the proverbial foot in the door. These workshops are led by Certified Professional Resume Writers who know the essential basics for every resume, and the nuances demanded by individual industries. Resumes are more than papers for your English class; in addition to having your name at the top, the order of the information and its overall presentation are all factors you will need to consider when creating this essential document.
Resumes go beyond what is written on them: the quality of the paper, the font you choose—these small details speak to employers about what kind of person you are, and how seriously you take yourself as a professional in your field.
This workshop is offered on Monday, March 16, 10–11:30 a.m. and Thursday, March 18 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. in Sierra 100 on the Dandini Campus.
Interview Savvy: First Impressions really matter.
Science has proven this old cliche to be absolutely true: first impressions matter. Basically speaking, we’re hard-wired to parse relevant information about someone we meet for the first time in order to determine if they are an asset or a threat to our social world. The details that comprise someone’s first impression of you are many and can include how often you blink, your appearance, the expression on your face, body posture and body language. And then, of course, the actual words you speak.
It’s no wonder that for most people job interviews are the most stressful part of the process of looking for a new career. That’s why the “Ace the Interview'' workshop is helpful; in this workshop, you’ll learn the most common questions employers ask during interviews. Our Career Hub experts will give you tips and tricks—and plenty of practice—so you won’t have to think “on the spot” or worry about saying the wrong thing during your next interview.
This workshop is offered on Monday, March 16 at 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. and Thursday, March 19 from 10–11:30 a.m. in Sierra 100 on the Dandini Campus.
Networking: It’s all about who you know.
Even if you’re not an introvert, networking events can be challenging especially when you walk into the room and realize you don’t know anyone else there! However, mastering the art of networking—and making a good first impression (see above) could mean the difference between making a professional connection that could lead to an opportunity or going home empty-handed.
Appropriately enough, showing up to a networking event empty-handed is also a no-no. In workshops focused on networking, Career Hub experts will fill you with ideas (and your hands with business cards) that can help make meeting others less stressful. This workshop will provide you with guidance and supplies to make your very own (read: personalized and stylized) business cards.
If you’re wondering why you need business cards (I’m a student and I don’t have a business?) think back to that empty-handed comment two paragraphs up. You’re always welcome to bring resumes to a networking event, but it can be awkward carrying around a stack of paper as you’re shaking hands with people. Business cards are a much more portable option that can be the tangible evidence of a useful connection, and something for a potential employer to remember you by.
You’ll also learn the importance of the elevator pitch—a brief introduction no longer than 30 seconds—and other useful tips to make your next networking opportunity go from painful to promising.
These workshops are happening on Tuesday, March 17 at 10–11 a.m. and Wednesday, March 18 at 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. in RDMT 115 on the Dandini Campus.
LinkedIn: It’s time to get seriously social.
We all know you’re killing it on Instagram with your own personalized filter and millions of followers. Unfortunately, your #tbts aren’t going to land you that interview (or not in most industries, anyway.) So, it’s time to put a tie on your social media presence and create a LinkedIn profile.
If LinkedIn sounds older than, well, Facebook, it might be, but it’s the “serious” social media platform that could land you that integral professional connection. However, just like every social media platform, there are a few do’s and don'ts to consider as you build your online resume. This includes tips on your profile picture, the language you use to describe your experience and how you reach out to other online connections, among several others.
Luckily, experts at the Career Hub are here to help you configure your LinkedIn account for success. These workshops are happening on Tuesday, March 17 at 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. and Wednesday, March 18 at 10–11:30 a.m. in Sierra 100 on the Dandini Campus.
More Reasons to Attend Spring Break Bootcamp
If you aren’t convinced that these workshops are an excellent use of your time over Spring Break, we thought we’d include a few final reasons why you don’t want to miss this bootcamp event:
- The workshops are free and guaranteed to pay off as you begin or continue your search for the perfect career.
- They provide an excellent opportunity to network with TMCC students and staff—which is great practice and a wonderful way to make new connections on campus.
- Interviewing and networking skills are always works in progress. The more you do these activities, the better you will be at them. We promise.
Complete Spring Break Bootcamp Workshop Schedule
Monday, March 16:
- Create a Killer Resume Workshop: 10–11:30 a.m. in SIER 100
- Ace the Interview Workshop: 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. in SIER 100
Tuesday, March 17:
- Create a Business Card and Learn How to Network: 10–11 a.m. in RMDT 115
- Build a Standout LinkedIn Workshop: 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. in SIER 100
Wednesday., March 18:
- Build a Standout LinkedIn Workshop: 10–11:30 a.m. in SIER 100
- Create a Business Card and Learn How to Network: 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. in RMDT 115
Thursday, March 19:
- Ace the Interview Workshop: 10-11:30 a.m. in SIER 100
- Create a Killer Resume Workshop: 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. in SIER 100
For more information about TMCC’s Career Hub, contact their office at 775-829-9080.