By Natalie Keshishian
Originally published in Valley Star

The signs posted around campus directing students to Monarch Square during Career Week were much like arrows guiding willing participants to their next stage in life. . Between April 20-23, students attended a number of workshops designed to aid in future career choices.

"I came to the career fair because I'm getting ready to transfer to a university and would like to learn about what choices I have and which schools offer my major" said Azi Grishikian, an accounting major at Valley College.

Representatives from the University of California Los Angeles, California State Northridge and Woodbury University were a handful of schools who were on campus to speak with students about transfering, major options and guidance.

Throughout the week, various workshops took place, such as resume writing and interview skills, deciding on a college and major, and careers in environmental science, which were designed to aid students in the next steps to a successful career.

Following Earth Day on April 24, careers in Environmental Science was the topic of the day's workshop. Speakers, including O'Mari Lockhart and Terri Richardson from CSUN's Science and Math services, and UCLA's biology speaker Sigrid Rian were on hand to give advice and aid.

A classroom full of students and guest speakers discussed and answered questions regarding a future in Environmental Science. Richardson was quick to point out that students wanting to explore the area further would still have a few years on school to tackle.

"Many positions these days require a bachelors degree," said Richardson

Some of the suggested majors included biological sciences, chemistry, geology, and animal science. Students were highly recommended to get started on related courses at Valley, including math, chemistry, physics, and biology

"Take the required science classes at community college, therefore when you transfer to university you will work on your major rather than having to complete lower division courses," said Rian.

All of the speakers recommended students to intern, volunteer, and work jobs outside their major after graduating.

"After I graduated I was making copies for law offices," said Lockhart. "Be humble and take those jobs to support you until you work your way into your career field."

Published: Tuesday, May 26, 2009

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