The Moorpark College Career Center held its annual Career Week from March 11-15. The featured event, the Career and Internship Expo, gave students the chance to network with a variety of employers. Students also had the chance to connect with industry professionals at the Entertainment Industry Panel later in the day.
On March 12, a variety of local, regional and national organizations lined Raider Walk, eager to speak to students about job and internship opportunities available.
Students who pre-registered for the event were able to check in at the Career Center’s booth and pick up a free meal from Urban Plates and other items like a portfolio, name tag, pen and resume paper. Students who attended “Resumania“ the day prior had their printed resumes ready and perfected for the employers.
Moorpark College Career Center Placement Project Specialist and Job Developer Kirsten Vassie spoke about the expo’s development and success enthusiastically.
“We had over 93 employers register and we have a waitlist,” Vassie said. “We have so many employers looking to hire specifically Moorpark College students, and they’re all employers ranging from small local business, engineering, healthcare, local government, communications – it hits all of the majors for our students.”
Melody Vivar, a Moorpark College sociology student, connected with the event’s message and described her struggle with applying for jobs in the past.
“It’s usually really hard for me to approach people,” Vivar said. “But today, I had a good excuse to talk to these businesses face-to-face and hopefully make a memorable impression on them instead of them just seeing my resume and not a person.”
Later that day, an Entertainment Industry Panel was held in the AA Forum for Film, Television & Media Arts majors and other like-minded students interested in the field. Attendees learned tips and tricks for navigating the industry, such as which writing software to use, and the other methods to be successful. Out of seven panelists, two were Moorpark College alumni.
One alum now working in talent acquisitions at NBCUniversal, Bridget Fornaro, reassured students of the possibility of getting into the industry regardless of their educational background.
“I want everyone to know that it’s okay to go to a community college, it’s okay to go to a state school,” Fornaro said. “From the lens of the recruiter in me, it doesn’t matter what school you go to as long as you get the degree.”
Vassie credited the event’s success to all of the various staff members and departments that helped put the event together.
“Part of our success has to be with all of our department volunteers. So really we could not have pulled all of this off without the support of all of the various staff on campus,” Vassie said.
Students who were unable to attend the event can visit Handshake to find internship and job opportunities for Moorpark College students or visit the Career Center for help with job applications, resume assistance, career coaching and more.
