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When asked, “what are you doing after graduation?” second-year student Diego Olivares briefly stood speechless.

For many, the journey toward answering this question is filled with silent pressure, self-doubt and more internet searches than they’d like to admit.

By partnering with student organizations that embrace identity and community and centering camaraderie over competition, San Diego City College’s Career Center is reimagining career preparation as something shared, not solitary.

Events like last fall’s collaboration with the Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Island (AANHPI) Connections Center for their inaugural “What’s the Tea” workshop blended headshots and resume help with music, food, conversation and community.

“It was a great event,” AANHPI Student Success Coordinator Joshua Lindo said. “We offered services like free photoshoots, career advice and resume feedback for students to enjoy.”

Olivares, who is majoring in history, came for a simple goal of getting a professional shot and some refreshments.

“I’m not in the job market at the moment,” he said, “but, it’s good to have a well-dressed headshot for LinkedIn, email – just to make yourself look more professional.”

Other students viewed the event as an important step toward their professional careers.

First-year student Nyaquoia Coons, who had not yet chosen a major at City, was struggling to find a job.

“It’s very hard to get a job right now – the job market is low,” she said. “But it’s awesome that (the Career Center and AANHPI) are so supportive, giving us guidance, advice on our resumes.”

While the services offered at the event were practical – career advice, headshots, resume – the deeper goal for the Career Center and AANHPI is human.

“We are a connection center,” Lindo said. “We are creating opportunities to connect and grow with each other, so that we can find similarities of experiences and struggles.

“The goal is to overcome (those) struggles together.”

To learn more about building your resume, and other career-related workshops, visit the Career Center and schedule an appointment to see a career counselor.