Clark College's Spring Career Connect Focuses on Public Service and Education Careers for Local Students

The Spring Career Connect event at Clark College took place on May 7, 2024, in PUB 161. It was designed for students and alumni interested in Public Service, Society, and Education. Advising Services, Career Services, and Student Success Coaches collaborated on this event, with faculty support to assist Education students. The Career Services team, including Emily Meoz, Trisha Haakonstad, Niira Krupnick, and Alex Kison, organized the event, with Alex Kison handling logistics and support from student employee Liz Knapp.

This year's event shifted focus compared to the previous year's large Career Fair at the Gaiser Student Center. The 2024 event was smaller and targeted specific study areas. The first event in March focused on Business and Entrepreneurship. Emily Meoz noted that this new format could enhance academic and career connections. The college plans to use this format for all study areas in the 2024-2025 academic year.

During the event, Clark student Dana Bunnell, who is pursuing a Bachelor of Applied Science in Teacher Education, spoke with DJ Scates, a Student Success Coach. Scates offered advice on improving time management and study skills, important for Bunnell's busy life, which includes family and household duties.

The event also enabled students to meet potential employers directly. Students had a list of questions and a Career Connect BINGO card to help structure their conversations with employers. Local employers, such as Vancouver Public Schools, Educational Services District 112, and Washington DSHS Behavioral Health Administration, discussed job opportunities, including roles at a new residential treatment center opening in spring 2025 near WSU Vancouver.

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