We are located in Berks Hall 220, and the hours of operation are as follows:

• Mondays: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Tuesdays: 8:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
• Wednesdays 8:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
• Thursdays: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Fridays: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Our services are free to RACC’s current students and alumni.

We offer the following: individual career counseling, workshops, career/job fairs, information about job openings, résumé critiquing, interviewing practice, on-campus recruiters, job search strategies, and a career library.

Career counseling involves learning about yourself, discovering occupations, and understanding how to use tools and resources that can help you find the best occupations for your personality and interests. It uses counseling sessions, career assessments, activities, and reading materials to help you find your career focus. Career counseling can be useful for individuals who do not know what career field they would like to enter, are having trouble deciding on a college major or program, want to confirm a career choice they have already made or are making a career change.

You will find occupational resources regarding majors and careers, specific information about a variety of occupations and fields, “hot” jobs, and the Occupational Outlook Handbook. We have résumé and cover letter writing, interviewing, and job search resources, as well as, handouts on a multitude of career related topics.

Everyone should have a working résumé in order to be prepared for part-time employment, internships, Co-op’s, work study positions, and other opportunities that may arise throughout your college career. It is never too early to create a résumé!

A cover letter is usually submitted with your résumé to acquaint the employer with your skills and experience, and prompt the employer to arrange an interview. It gives you an opportunity to talk more in-depth about the content of your résumé.

The first step is assessing your individual interests, skills, and values. The second step is gathering information about majors and occupations related to majors. The third step is generating alternatives. The fourth step is making a decision. Many students find it helpful to talk to a counselor throughout this decision making process. The Career Center can help with every step along the way.

There are vast amounts of information regarding occupations. The Career Center has a library which houses various books about occupations. There are also many useful websites for exploring the world of work. A Career Specialist can help guide your research.

The job search is a job in and of itself. First, you should tell EVERYONE you know that you are seeking employment and ask everyone you know for job leads. Search the “want-ads” in local newspapers. There are also many online resources for job hunting. RACC is affiliated with College Central Network, which lists current, local job opportunities. Speak with a Career Specialist to learn about additional online resources. The Career Center is NOT a placement service; however other employment agencies are available in the area. Sometimes simply sending your résumé to companies/organizations that are of interest to you can lead to a job opportunity.

First and foremost, you need to know yourself and be able to articulate what you have to offer. Next, you need to research the employer/position. Finally, you should practice utilizing interviewing skills prior to your interview. You may want to meet with a Career Specialist to learn about interviewing skills and to practice.

Informational interviews take place between you and a worker in an occupation that is of interest to you in order to gain specific information about an occupation. Talk to a Career Specialist to learn more about how to prepare for these interviews and find individuals to interview.

Co-op, or cooperative education, is a partnership between the college and the employer that provides students with the opportunity to apply the knowledge they have gained in the classroom to the reality of the workplace while obtaining (up to three) credits. Students are eligible for a co-op after completion of 27 credits or three terms. Co-op’s are required in some courses of study and optional in others. You can find more information in the Career Center.

A work-study job is an on campus position that is funded through Financial Aid. Students who are full-time and PA residents may apply for positions through the Financial Aid office. A résumé is required as part of the application. For more information visit the financial aid office or the work study webpage.

A career counselor can help you to clarify your current needs and interests and set goals based on a realistic assessment of your particular situation. We will help you explore your career options in order to choose an academic program as well as determine your career plans. Our Career Specialist also understands your special concerns and needs of returning students and help you with this transition.