NCC's Job Club Offers a (Free!) Competitive Edge

by Cynthia Tintorri
April 09, 2010

Employment experts agree: one of the best things you can do when you're out of work and seeking your next job is network. There are fee-based services and groups that can help you do that, but did you know you can network for free at Northampton Community College's Job Club?

The Job Club is the creation of Virginia Gonzalez, professor of counseling at NCC. The idea came to her while she was at a conference for career counselors. "They were talking about private practitioners running job clubs, and how expensive they can be. But they do work - their outcomes really supported people. I thought, why not do something for our students that is free, conveniently on-campus, and relates to our degree programs?"

Gonzalez will employ the College's Blackboard system to set up a discussion board where club members can help each other out with news such as who's hiring. But first, the club needs more members!

Topics are pertinent and helpful. Past club meetings have covered discussions such as preparing for job fairs, using LinkedIn and other social networks for job searches, finding jobs on the internet, putting together a cutting-edge resume, dealing with the stress of unemployment, and identifying one's transferable skills in order to change jobs.

On Tuesday, April 13, the Job Club will meet from 11 a.m. to noon in College Center Room 292 and again from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. in Room 236. The topic will be "Tips for a Job Fair." Club meetings consist of a 15-minute formal presentation, followed by sharing by participants about their own situations, who may get and give feedback from others in the group, often about employers who are hiring or contact names within a company.

"There's a 'hidden' job market out there," Gonzalez says. "It's not advertised - you find out about it from people telling you."

NCC's Job Club is free, and open to current students and alumni who are - or will be -- looking for jobs or new careers. As Gonzalez advises: "People need a competitive edge anywhere they can get it. "

The last Job Club of the semester will be held on Tuesday, April 27. The topic will be "Still Interviewing."