Today’s job market may qualify one with education, experience, and connections, but if you’re looking for a job and lack any of the above qualifications, you may be out of luck.

Unemployment is the most important economic issue today. The search for the perfect job has quickly narrowed down to the search for a job as US employment rates continue to fall since February with now more than 12.5 million Americans unemployed.

The economy has directly impacted City College, among widespread budget cuts, fewer staff and, questionably, more students?

“More and more people have returned to school to get a better, more advanced degree,” said an admissions clerk at City College. “A better degree could mean a better paying job in the future.”

Students enrolled at City College are offered opportunities to connect with surrounding businesses through a program known as Work Experience, a cooperative plan that links a student’s studies with the outside world, allowing them to complete on-the-job training while earning college credit.

Joseph D’Ambro, a student services assistant at the Transfer/Career Center, located on campus in building A-111, said “Work Experience allows the students to explore occupations related to their major.”

The program helps students build a marketable resume to help increase their earning potential. So, out of a job may not mean you’re out of luck.

The Transfer/Career Center offers opportunities for internships and resume-building workshops. The Center also offers listings for paid positions around San Diego County. Career assistants, like D’Ambro, guide students through the interview process and how to create a cover letter. That’s how Stephanie, a student at City College, landed her job.

“I talked directly with a student assistant who helped me find a job that’s easily accessible and right for me. He prepared me for my interview and helped me put together a resume suitable for the position I was applying for.”

Stephanie has worked at Ralphs Market for a year now. She said City College works hard to help students find employment in convenient, nearby locations.

Students can also find employment on-campus. Jobs are offered at the cafeteria, the book store and the library.

John, who declined to state his last name, is a second year student at City College and said that working in the cafeteria on-campus is “easy; a nice transition to [his] already stressful school schedule.”

“School is really important, you can tell because everyone is trying to go back,” says John, who has applied for jobs around San Diego, but said that many companies would not allow a schedule that fits into his already busy school schedule. On-campus work has helped him in many ways.

Despite nationwide unemployment, City College offers employment preparation workshops every Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. and Thursday at 3 p.m. in the CBTE Center in room T-330. Services include interview techniques, communication, cover letters, networking and resumes.

The City College Faculty & Staff Career Center Newsletter, a monthly e-publication from the Transfer/Career Center, may also offer updated information on internships, work experience and job openings.

For more information or to speak with a student services assistant about Work Experience, Work Study, or on/off-campus job fairs, contact the Transfer/Career Center in room A-111, call (619) 388-3722, or e-mail [email protected].