Transition to Work or College

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Congratulations on making it this far! Now it's time to think about your next step. Are you considering furthering your education or perhaps starting a career? Explore the links below to learn key information about how to get the process started!

Transition to Work

Fastest--­growing occupations in Texas

Local Job Fairs

Job fairs are a great way for you to explore potential employment opportunities in your area and learn more about the companies who are actively hiring in your neighborhood. There are a few important things to keep in mind before, during, and after the job fair to make it successful for you!

Before:

1. Find out what businesses will be there
   
   
2. Develop some questions you would like to ask employers
   
   
3. Bring copies of your resume
   
   

During:

1. Dress the part
   
   
2. Talk to employers
   
   
3. Use your research to appear confident and knowledgeable
   
   
4. Have affirm hand shake and maintain eye contact

Resume Assistance

• What is a resume?
• The resume is a tool with one specific purpose: to win an interview.
• It convinces the employer that you have what it takes to be successful in this new position or career.
• It is so pleasing to the eye that the reader is enticed to pick it up and read it.
• It stimulates interest in meeting you and learning more about you.
• It inspires the prospective employer to pick up the phone and ask you to come in for an interview

What should a resume include?

• Contact information – full name, address, phone number, & email
• Objective – brief description summarizing the job you are applying for
• Education – list of educational background
• Experience – professional/volunteer experience
• Skills – ex: computer skills, bilingual, management skills, etc.

Interview Questions

Tell me about yourself

Your answers should be a quick rundown of your qualifications and experience. Talk about your education, work history, recent career experience and future goals.

Why did you leave your last job

This is your chance to talk about your experience and your career goals, not to badmouth a former boss or give a list of reasons for your exit. Instead, focus on what you learned in your previous position and how you are ready to use those skills in a new position.

Where do you see yourself in five years

Let the employer know that you're stable and you want to be with this company or organization for the long haul.

What are your weaknesses

Respond to this query by identifying areas in your work where you can improve and figure out how they can be assets to a future employer. If you didn't have the opportunity to develop certain skills at your previous job, explain how eager you are to gain that skill in a new position.

Why were you laid off

This question will become more common as the economy continues to slow down. It's a tough question, however, especially because many workers aren't told exactly why they were laid off. The best way to tackle this question is to answer as honestly as possible.

Tell me about the worst boss you ever had

Never, ever talk badly about your past bosses. A potential boss will anticipate that you'll talk about him or her in the same manner somewhere down the line.

How would others describe you

You should always be asking for feedback from your colleagues and supervisors in order to gauge your performance; this way, you can honestly answer the question based on their comments. Keep track of the feedback to be able to give to an employer, if asked. Doing so will also help you identify strengths and weaknesses.

What can you offer me that another person can't?

This is when you talk about your record of getting things done. Go into specifics from your résumé and portfolio; show an employer your value and how you'd be an asset.

Transition to College

WCJC ABE T3 (Teach, Train, and Transition) Program

Work on your GED or ESL skills AND college at the same time!

Initial Requirements

Complete 12 hours of ABE (GED or ESL) Orientation and begin GED or ESL classes

• Score GE of 6-8.9 & Above on Baseline Assessments
• Possess a Social Security #
• COMMITMENT= STRONG! - 1 year/4 days a week

How do I get in to the T3 program?

8. If initial requirements are met, the *ABE Transition Specialist will contact the student’s instructor for a referral and then contact the interested student.
   
   
9. Complete a 2-day T3 orientation and intake process.
   
   
10. Choose Your Certification Track:
    
    
    
    • Personal Computer (PC) Technical Support Specialist - 1 year credit certification
      
      
    • Medical Office Specialist – 6 month Continuing Education course
      *For more information please call 979-532-6458 or email frankuma@wcjc.edu

When and where are the classes?

11. July 9th- Medical Office Specialist classes begin. Classes at WCJC SGL campus only.
    
    
12. Spring 2013 – Personal Computer (PC) Technician Support Specialist classes begin. Classes at WCJC Richmond campus only.
    
    
13. ABE (GED or ESL) classes are only offered during the day at this time.

Useful links for prospective students:

Visit our admissions area to find out how to apply to WCJC.

Visit the testing area of the website to learn about entrance testing.

Advising is recommended for all new and prospective students. Counselors are available to assist students in such areas as choosing a major field of study, vocational planning, selecting a four-year college for transfer, job placement, and individual testing. Stop by or contact the campus nearest you to visit with an advisor or counselor. Visit the WCJC Counseling & Advising area to learn more.

Visit the Financial Aid area of the website to learn about grants, student loans, scholarships and on-campus employment. Check deadlines and be sure to apply on time.

 

Want to start WCJC? Not sure what career to choose? How to apply for financial aid? Want to tour a WCJC campus?

Fall 2012* “WCJC ABE College Day” in the Pioneer Student Center on the WCJC Wharton Campus - Wednesday, October 17, 2012 - from 9am till noon

Fall 2012* - “WCJC ABE College Day” on WCJC SGL Campus

Spring 2013* - “WCJC ABE College Night” on WCJC FBTC Campus (Richmond)

Spring 2013* - “WCJC ABE College Night” at Northside Education Center (El Campo)

Spring 2013* - “WCJC ABE College Night” at the Sugar Land campus - Tuesday, March 5th from 5:30-8:00

*Specific Days and Times to follow with start of ’12-’13 ABE Academic year – Monday, August 27th.

GED Student Comments from Spring 2012 “WCJC ABE College Night” –

1. I am so excited that I can start the college application process before I finish my GED!
2. I got a lot of information on the whole process – especially financial aid.
3. I am more encouraged to finish my GED tests now!
4. It sounds like they (WCJC staff) really want to help us achieve our goals.
5. I was glad they (WCJC staff) held this session for us (GED students only) so we didn’t feel stupid about asking questions in front of other non-GED students. I think I am going to do a WCJC certificate program so I can earn money while I finish college and do what I ultimately want to do. (career-wise)