How Can the Pierce College Career Center Help?

  • Career Exploration: Discover the many occupations and options that align with your career You can use a combination of online career exploration assessments through tools like CareerBridge and My Next Move, or career assessments completed with Faculty Counselor Advisers or MDC staff. Review labor market information using Employment Security or CareerOneStop. Career Center staff can assist you with exploration of educational programs that may align with your pathway, skills, and abilities.
  • Resume & Cover Letter Assistance: Work with us to start your resume or cover letter, review the various resume styles, or receive feedback on your current resume or cover letter. Did you know that you only have on average 5-7 seconds to grab the reader’s attention on your resume? Career Center staff can help you make that strong first impression. Are your social media accounts, voicemail, and email employer ready? According to LinkedIn, 76% of resumes are rejected because of an unprofessional email address.
  • Work Study & Internships: Students needing to complete an internship for their program work with staff to identify possible employers and review current internship postings. Work study eligible students work with staff to learn about the different types of work study, review on and off campus postings, and apply for work study positions through the Career Center online job board Handshake.
  • Job Search: Staff can show you how to use online job search tools and talk about strategies for finding jobs, internships, and volunteer opportunities using online resources, networking, job fairs, and social media. Need to practice your elevator pitch? We can help with that too. Did you know that most employers check out an applicant’s social media prior to an interview or job offer? We can give suggestions on how to be employer ready.
  • Interview Tools: Staff will walk you through the various interview scenarios, including remote interviewing, common interview questions, how to prepare, and strategies for In-person, phone, and online mock interviews are available. There are many reasons an interview may not go well. Career Center staff can go over some of the common mistakes job applicants make, ways to avoid making them, and strategies for success.
  • Job Fairs & Career Events: The Career Center sponsors workshops, Employer of the Day, job fairs and information sessions for students to explore career pathways, get hired, and network with Handshake also features a large variety of employer-sponsored events, with the ability to sort by event type, modality, and date.

Have a specific question or concern? Contact us via email, call us, or stop by during drop-in hours.

Pierce Advocacy and Resource Connections (PARC)

The Pierce Advocacy and Resource Connections (PARC) webpage is an up-to-date resource guide that provides information for college and community programs. You can find information on a variety of topics including housing and utility programs, crisis services, immigration support, BIPOC and 2SLGBTSIA+ specific resources, healthcare and insurance options, and much more!

HYPE On Campus Student Job Fairs & Workshops

Talk with campus departments about their work study and hourly positions, internships, and volunteer opportunities. Attend a workshop with Career Center staff about navigating Handshake, our online job board, or adding transferable skills to your resume. Talk with Work Study staff to learn if you may be eligible and what a Work Study job is.

  • October 6th, 11am to 3pm, Fort Steilacoom campus - Cascade 4th floor

  • October 8th, 11am to 3pm, Puyallup campus – College Center 2nd floor

For details, check out HYPE webpage or contact the Career Center for questions.

Did You Know – You May Be Eligible for Assistance Through Pierce College Workforce Programs?

The Workforce department and its partners can assist with accessing and navigating campus and community resources which may include finding help with funding for tuition and books, housing, applying for financial aid, job search, childcare and more.

Below is a brief guide to our Workforce programs:

  • BFET (Basic Food Employment & Training): Supports students receiving SNAP benefits who are enrolled in transitional education or a degree or certificate from Pierce College (excluding the Bachelors of Applied Science degrees)
  • WorkFirst: Supports students who are receiving TANF (Cash Assistance) who are enrolled in transitional education or a degree or certificate from Pierce College (excluding the Bachelors of Applied Science degrees in most cases)
  • Worker Retraining: Supports students who currently receive or have received unemployment benefits in the past 48 months, about to or have separated from the military in the past 48 months, a displaced homemaker, formerly self-employed or are currently working in a position considered not in demand according to Employment Security and are enrolled in a professional/technical program.
  • Opportunity Grant: Supports students who meet income thresholds (per FAFSA or WASFA) who are enrolled in an approved program.

Not Sure Where to Start?

The Start Next Quarter survey is available to current and prospective students to see if they may be eligible for one of more Workforce programs. ALL individuals are connected to a staff member during walk-ins or by phone or can request an afternoon appointment.