The journey to find a fulfilling career can seem overwhelming. HCC’s Career Services offers a number of resources, both guided and self-directed, that can put you on the path toward a field that works best for you. HCC is committed to your success. Whether you are undecided, committed to a major, or enhancing your professional skills, we have the resources necessary to help you pursue a rewarding career.

“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”

- Confucius

Vision

All students feel prepared to foster their own unique career path in which their values, interests, and work align.

Mission

To empower students to develop the insights, experience, and connections to pursue personally meaningful careers throughout their lives. To do so, we assist students with career development through career exploration, career planning, decision making, and job search skills and strategies. In addition, we develop relationships with regional employers to provide experiential learning and employment opportunities for students while enrolled in classes and after graduation as an HCC alumni.

Student Learning Outcomes

Student learning outcomes affiliated with Hagerstown Community College Career Services include:

Career Exploration and Planning

• Students will be able to identify their skills, interests, and values as they relate to exploring career options.
• Students will develop the skills needed to find the necessary occupational and labor market information to assist in their career planning process.
• Students will be able to identify the academic preparation needed to attain the careers they are considering.
• Students will consider experiential learning opportunities (i.e., volunteering, internships, job shadowing, etc.) in their career decision making process.
   

For-Credit Internship Experiential Learning

• Students will be able to apply the knowledge and skills they have learned in the classroom to better understand the theories, ideas and practices in their chosen major by actively engaging in a hands-on, work-based, learning experience.
• Students will be able to gain career-related experiences and workplace competencies in their chosen career field.
• Students will be able to develop transferable skills and develop work-ready proficiencies and skills valued by employers.
   

Job Search Skills and Strategies

• Students will develop a targeted resume using a professionally correct resume format.
• Students will develop a targeted cover letter using a professionally correct letter format.
• Students will identify their achievements, accomplishments, knowledge and skills in order to effectively market themselves for employment.
• Students will know how to prepare for an interview, and minimize the anxiety associated with the interview process.
• Students will learn the most effective strategies for finding the job they want and be able to develop a job search plan.
   

We can help you:

• Declare a major;
• Familiarize yourself with career paths within your major;
• Prepare for interviews and internships;
• Develop necessary skills for the job force;
• Network with employers;
• Write and improve professional employment related documents;
• Locate part-time/full-time jobs and internships pertaining to your major and skill set; and,
• Create an action plan for your future professional career.
   

At HCC student achievement begins with major and career exploration. Whether you are undecided on a major, exploring a new program of study (major), or verifying your current direction, a career advising session will assist you with the decision-making process and your career development pathway to employment. Valuable resources are available for your use and are designed to facilitate personal growth and development in choosing a program of study and preparing for success in the job search process.

We have the resources and advisors to help you figure it out:

• Select and declare a program of study (so many options);
• Decide on a career (even more options!);
• Get the skills to help you find your dream job and nail your employment interviews; and,
• Keep your skills in-demand and your career outlook bright with further continuing education training.