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Student Resources: Choosing a Career

Explore Programs at SWCC

Programs of Study Pathways

Explore Programs of Study Pathways available at SWCC and learn about specific requirements for degrees and certificates.  Select a Program to view the detailed program description, occupational objectives, & admission requirements. Specific course requirements including coursework are also provided with each Program.

Online Programs

SWCC offers many Online Programs that allow you to pursue a college education on your schedule. Online delivery of classes provides flexibility tailored to your needs.

Workforce Classes

Workforce & Continuing Education Classes provide individuals with a variety of fast-track training opportunities leading to industry-recognized credentials. These short-term training opportunities can help open the door to secure, high-demand jobs with industry-recognized credentials.

STUDENT RESOURCES

CONTACT CAREER SERVICES

Phone: 276-964-7262

Email: careerservices@sw.edu

Buchanan Hall, B100

Hours

Career Services is offering assistance remotely via email, phone, and in person by appointment.

Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 4:00 pm

Career Exploration

Unsure about what program or career path you want to pursue? Career Services can help guide you through the process of discovering your interests, skills, and personality.  There are a variety of Career Assessments to help you dig deeper into career options and find your career path.

Career Finder

Career Finder is a great tool to help you discover SWCC Programs and investigate in-depth career information including employment outlooks and salary data. Take a Career Assessment to help identify personalized career suggestions based on your interests.

Virginia Wizard

Virginia Wizard empowers you to make informed career decisions by investigating numerous career exploration tools and activities. Complete career assessments, research college options, create career plans, and much more using the tools provided on Virginia Wizard.

More Career Exploration Options

Jung Typology Test

Jung Typology Test is based on Carl Jung’s and Isabel Briggs Myers’ personality type theory. Complete the assessment to learn more about your personality type and to discover careers and occupations most compatible with your personality.

Occupational Outlook Handbook

The Occupational Outlook Handbook provides career guidance and features hundreds of occupations. Valuable information such as training & education requirements, earnings and job outlooks, and typical working conditions can be found in this online publication.

O*NET Online

O*NET Online is the nation’s primary source of occupational information. This online tool includes a wealth of information about career investigation, occupational forecasts and demands, detailed job reports, and much more.

Learn How To Become

Learn How To Become helps you determine how to achieve your academic and career goals by providing detailed information on how to pursue a myriad of careers. Additional resources include scholarship and financial aid opportunities and additional career resources including how to answer tough interview questions, negotiating job offers, and much more.

Resumé Assistance

A great resumé can help open doors and opportunities for you as it effectively communicates your value to employers. Resumé creation should not be taken lightly as employers use this critical document to decide whether to schedule an interview with applicants. Need help polishing up or updating your resumé? Starting a resume or cover letter from scratch? We are here to help!

Email careerservices@sw.edu to have your resumé or cover letter reviewed by Career Services or to schedule an appointment to create a resumé or cover letter that accurately reflects your experience, education, and skills.

RESUMÉ KEY POINTS Useful tips and pointers to keep in mind when crafting your resumé.

RESUMÉ WORKSHEET Complete the Resumé Worksheet and email careerservices@sw.edu to provide the information needed to get started on a resumé customized for you.

POWER VERBS FOR YOUR RESUMÉ  Make your accomplishments stand out by using strong, compelling action verbs that will describe your skills and experience in a dynamic and engaging way. These will help set you apart from other candidates and encourage hiring managers to take a closer look at your application package.

RESUMÉ BUILDER  You can also use our easy-to-use resumé builder to create a professional resume.  Create an account using your student email address and follow the instructions to build a professional resume. Resumes can be downloaded in Microsoft Word for additional personalization and easy submission.

COVER LETTER KEY POINTS A well-written cover letter can create a positive impression by explaining why you feel you are a great fit for the position and opening the door for an interview. These key points can help you craft a cover letter that sends a clear, concise message to an employer.

REFERENCE LIST KEY POINTS If an employer requests a list of references to be submitted along with a resumé, there are a few simple, yet important, guidelines you should follow.

FREEDOM RESUMÉ Use the Sample Freedom Flying Eagle Resumé as a starting point to build your best resumé.

Job & Internship Assistance

Whether you are a student currently enrolled, wrapping up a program, or SWCC alumni, Career Services is happy to help support you with job search assistance!

Contact Career Services at 276-964-7262 or email: careerservices@sw.edu

Flying Eagle Job Board   Visit the Flying Eagle Job Board and create an account for access to current local employment opportunities and career preparation tools. Complete a profile for employers to view, upload a resume for review, access a repository of job search websites, and much more.

Job Search Engines & Resources

Interviewing

Make a great first impression by being prepared and polished for your interview. Contact Career Services for assistance with interview preparation tips or for mock interview practice. We can also help if there is a need for a webcam or computer for an upcoming interview.

Big Interview Use Big Interview to learn and practice your interview skills. Whether you’re interviewing for a job or graduate school. This service is free when using your Southwest student email.

Dress for Success for a Job Interview   Appropriate dress is essential for interviews or employer engagement events.

Here are a few standard tips for appropriate interview attire:

  • Conservative colors (navy, dark gray, black) are safe and look professional.
  • Avoid bright colors or patterns that are distracting and draw attention away from you.
  • Clothing should be well-fitting, clean, and wrinkle-free.
  • Avoid flashy accessories or overwhelming scents and fragrances.
  • Hair, including facial hair, should be well groomed.
  • Shoes should be clean, polished, and conservative.
  • Keep cell phone electronics turned off and out of sight.

View these files to see examples of appropriate & inappropriate attire for interviews: Men Appropriate Interview Attire, Women Appropriate Interview Attire, and Inappropriate Interview Attire.

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