Students & Alumni
Career Resources for Students & Alumni
Career & Transfer Services staff are available to meet with students and alumni over-the-phone, via video conferencing(Ex. Microsoft Teams or Cisco WebEx), and in person. We encourage students and alumni to use HCC CareerHub to schedule appointments. Students and alumni can visit any Career Center in person to receive assistance without scheduling an appointment.
Access HCC CareerHub
Are you looking for a work-study position on campus or an internship or job in your field of interest? Log into your CareerHub account now! Current students' profiles have been created automatically upon enrollment in classes here at HCC. Here is what you will need to do once you access your account:
- Use your HCC/MyEagle Credentials to access your CareerHub account!
- Remember, your profile is already connected to your HCC Email address!
- Download the CareerHub App if you would like to receive job alerts to your phone!
- Create your resume using the CareerHub Resume Builder!
- Upload your current resume to have it reviewed and approved by Career Services staff!
- Opt-In to the CareerHub Resume Book in order for your resume to be seen by employers!
- Select your Career Interests in order to start receiving job alerts! Employers in Houston and beyond post Internships and Jobs in CareerHub!
- Schedule an appointment to meet over-the-phone, via video online or in person to discuss your resume and job search!
- Sign-up for any Interviews happening around the HCC System!
- Register for upcoming Career & Transfer Fairs and related events!
- Take your job search anywhere by downloading the CareerHub App!
HCC Alumni can gain access to CareerHub by following the steps below:
- Join the HCC Alumni Association: www.hccs.edu/alumni
- Send the information below to the following email address: hcc.alumni@hccs.edu
- Your Student ID, if applicable
- Your last year of attendance at HCC
- Your Resume
We verify that classes have been taken at Houston Community College. Additional Information will be sent after this verification has been completed.
HISTORY OF THE HCC CAMPUS INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
The HCC Campus Internship Program(Co-ops & Internships) was created in 2018 for the purpose of preparing students enrolled in HCC workforce programs at Houston Community College for the world of work. Students are increasingly in need of co-curricular and experiential learning opportunities that will provide them with real-world experiences related to their intended career paths.
Due to the size of the Houston Community College System, there are major business processes that are managed by specific departments that keep the institution’s administrative processes running smoothly throughout the year. These departments were targeted to host interns as some of their functions are aligned with skills learned within specific certificates/degrees offered at the institution.
Below are just some of the departments that have participated in the HCC Campus Internship Program over the years by hosting an Intern:
- HCC Coleman (Medical Center) – Graphic Designer
- HCC Communications (3100 Main St.) – Community Development Intern
- HCC IT CORE Information Services (3100 Main St.) – Business Analyst
- HCC IT CORE Information Services (3100 Main St.) – Programmer Analyst
- HCC IT CORE Information Services (3100 Main St.) – Cyber Security Intern
- HCC Communications (West Loop) – Graphic Designer
- HCC-TV (3100 Main St.) – Assistant Producer
- HCC Online College (3100 Main St.) – Office Assistant
- HCC Northline (Automotive Technology Center) – Administrative Assistant
- HCC Career & Job Placement Services (Central) - Job Developer
- HCC VAST Academy (Central) - Job Developer
- HCC Chancellor's Office (District) - Office Assistant
A number of Interns have been hired into part-time and full-time roles by various HCC departments after the completion of their internship which lasts for an entire semester. Interns are only allowed to participate for one semester in order to allow for many more students to participate in the program.
Students must be 50%-75% finished with their certificate/degree. Those enrolled in programs requiring a co-op/internship will be prioritized. Students must have a 2.0 minimum GPA. The Internship will start at the very beginning of the semester and will last until the final week of the semester. The maximum number of hours worked is 19.5 per week.
The HCC Campus Internship Program is annually funded via $100,000 set aside specifically for the Interns' salaries which comprises 20-30 separate positions on an annual basis.
The Fall 2024 Campus Internship Program Application will open in July 2024 and the link for students to apply will be placed below this message.
Career Assessments
Career Assessments
Career assessments are tools utilized by the general public to dig deeper regarding career options as well as finding a purpose in life. There are a variety of Career assessments for students to take and we have identified a few below. Career assessments provide guidance, not prescriptive answers for which career path to pursue:
Career Coach is a great career assessment to take in order to begin discovering your calling. We highly recommend HCC Eagles take the 60 question assessment in order to receive an in-depth assessment result. Students should always visit the nearest Career & Job Placement Services Center to discuss the results of their assessment with a Career Specialist. Please bring your assessment results with you!
Career Coach - https://hccs.emsicc.com
True Colors is a Career assessment that focuses on personality. This assessment is great for proactive students interested in emotional intelligence and ways to leverage soft-skills in the workplace. It is important to be aware of your personality and how it drives the way others perceive you in a professional environment. What are your True Colors and what will they reveal about your career choices?
Personality Lingo - https://personalitylingo.com/freepersonalitytest/
Jung Typology Test is based on Carl Jung's and Isabel Briggs Myers' personality type theory. Learn about your Personality Type and how it fits with others in the World of Work!
Jung Typology Test - http://www.humanmetrics.com/cgi-win/jtypes2.asp
O'Net Interest Profiler helps you decide what kinds of careers you might want to explore.
O'Net Interest Profiler - https://www.mynextmove.org/explore/ip
Cover Letter & Resume Writing Resources
Successful Resumes
The resume is the most important document you will create in your life! Yes! This document will literally open doors for you as it communicates your value to employers and universities. Proactive students understand that the resume is a serious creation as employers spend just seconds reading it in order to decide whether to schedule an interview or not! We have provided resources below that can assist you with developing a world-class resume. Remember, we are available to help you write your resume as well. If you would like for us to critique your resume then we suggest you visit your local Career Center or upload it to your account in CareerHub.
HCC Resume Book is where your resume is uploaded online. In order for Career & Job Placement Services to send your resume to employers electronically for co-op/internship opportunities, just upload it to your account and allow employers to view the document. We will take it from there and send it to employers interested in hiring HCC Eagles!
HCC Resume Template is a Career & Job Placement Services approved resume template that HCC Eagles can download, complete, and upload to their accounts in the Virtual Career Center. Students can also bring their resume template to the Career Center for assistance.
College Grad is a great resource for students to utilize when deciding upon a resume template. This site has a variety of resume templates by job function and industry.
College Grad - https://collegegrad.com/resumes
Job Scan is an awesome tool that can be utilized to connect your resume with specific jobs. Have you ever wondered if your experience qualifies you for a job you are interested in applying for? Copy/paste your resume and then copy/paste the job description and then let the system decipher whether there is a connection! We only recommend you complete this first step as the next steps in the process could result in a fee!
Job Scan - https://www.jobscan.co/
HCC Resume Guidelines & Template
We highly encourage students to self-critique their resume by viewing the following standards before visiting the Career Center or uploading the resume to the Virtual Career Center.
Font:
- The font on all resumes should be either Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri. The size of your font should be no larger than 12 with exception to your name.
Length:
- If you have less than five years of direct experience in your field of interest then the resume should be only on one page.
- Candidates with more than five years of experience have the option of keeping their resume on one page or going to two pages.
- Candidates with 10+ years’ experience should have a 2-3 page resume.
- If you are close to one page but keep spilling over to the second page then we suggest that you go to PAGE LAYOUT and then select MARGINS and choose the NARROW option so you can fit more text on one page.
Templates:
- Resume Templates found on Microsoft Office are not encouraged for use as they can be difficult to adjust, amend, and critique, because of the formatting associated with these templates.
Font Color:
- The text/font on your resume should be black. Any colors outside of black will result in your resume not being approved in the Virtual Career Center.
Action Verbs:
- Your bullets/lines/sentences on your resume should not begin with "I, My, You, or Me".
- Action Verbs bring your resume to life as they convey the action you took to complete the job or internship. Here is a great article by the Muse that we believe you will find very helpful in finding the right Action Verbs for your resume and experience:https://www.themuse.com/advice/185-powerful-verbs-that-will-make-your-resume-awesome
Heading:
- The heading or the top of the resume should be centralized and contain the following:
- Your Name, Phone Number, Email, LinkedIn URL, or any other link that conveys your experience/portfolio.
Education:
- This section should reflect your most current degree you are pursuing at the top of the section.
- Your high school should never be above the current degree you are pursuing at Houston Community College.
- If your resume is missing the degree you are pursuing, it will be rejected.
Skills:
- This is a section where you add bullets regarding any software you are familiar with such as QuickBooks, Cool Edit Pro, Photoshop, Illustrator, etc…
- For example, if you are interested in the medical field then you should add any lab instruments you are familiar with as well as medical theories, concepts, and medical procedures that are relevant to the field you are pursuing.
Experience:
- It is important that all internship/job descriptions have a minimum of three-five bullets/lines explaining each internship or job on your resume.
- Bulleted descriptions make your resume much easier to read as employers spend less than 10 seconds reading a resume.
- If your job descriptions have less than three bullets/lines then your resume could be rejected.
- If you do not remember what you exactly did in a previous/current job then we suggest following this link to a great resource by Monster.com that houses generic job descriptions: http://hiring.monster.com/hr/hr-best-practices/recruiting-hiring-advice/jobdescriptions/sample-job-descriptions.aspx
We highly encourage students to download the HCC Resume Template below which contains the above guidelines. Upload your new resume to your profile in CareerHub.
Building Your C.A.S.E. On Paper - Art of the Cover Letter
Building Your C.A.S.E. On Paper
Cover Letters are just as important as resumes. The Cover Letter explains in detail your reasons for applying for the position as well as compares your current experience with actual responsibilities or qualifications the job requires. We have developed a formula below that should provide you with a clear strategy for writing your Cover Letter.
C.A.S.E.
- Consistency - Clearly state your reason(s) for applying for the position in the introductory paragraph. There should be consistency between your resume and the reasons for applying for the position. Your cover letter should be a communication tool for your resume as it should elaborate on pertinent details you believe are relevant to your reason for applying for the position.
- Attention - In your body paragraph(s) there should be a comparison and contrast between 2-3 responsibilities from the job description and the most relevant experience on your resume. Attention to detail is very important when comparing and contrasting as you have limited space to draw a connection between the job and your experience. Do not fluff this section as this should be the core function of the cover letter.
- Sections - The cover letter should contain an introduction, body, and conclusion. It is perfectly fine to have two body paragraphs in order to elaborate on your experience and qualifications for the job. Your contact information should be clearly displayed on the document below your signature.
- Elaborate - Details! Details! Details! Gone are the days when you could write five sentences for a cover letter and still be taken seriously. We highly suggest you truly compare your experience with the requirements for the position. The cover letter should contain specific instances of relevant skills and experience that should be explained in the cover letter. Do not sacrifice substance for length, as you have an entire page to write the document.
Here are examples of Cover Letters that you could utilize to craft your own unique document:
Cover Letter Templates/Advice - https://collegegrad.com/cover-letters
Co-op/Internships & Job Search Resources
HCC CareerHub (HCC Job Board)
Gaining experience in your field prior to finishing college should be a priority as you begin establishing your strategy for pursuing your calling. Employers are always engaging HCC to hire students for co-ops and internships. We always encourage employers to post their open positions within CareerHub. Students must have an approved resume uploaded to your account! Employers in CareerHub are specifically interested in hiring HCC Eagles!
We also host Career Fairs in order for you to network with employers face-to-face! Students and alumni can log into CareerHub to view/register for HCC Career Fairs!
Here are additional resources that can assist you in gaining experience in your field(s) of interest:
- Texas Career Check - This resource provides job seekers with opportunities to learn about what it takes to pursue specific occupations in Texas. It also provides a database of colleges/universities around the U.S.
- Texas Reality Check - This resource provides job seekers with useful data regarding wages and living expenses which are helpful when deciding which college to attend and how much everything will cost at the end of the day.
- My Skills My Future - This resource matches specific jobs with your current skills and experience! Try it out now and be inspired to pursue jobs you never thought you were qualified for.
- Work In Texas - This resource is a statewide job database that we suggest all students utilize to find available jobs in the Houston region and beyond. Create your account today in order to unlock many job opportunities.
- Petrochemworks - This resource provides job seekers with a focused database that speaks to opportunities in the petrochemical and energy sectors. This site matches your interests with specific jobs.
- CareerSpring - Students and graduates whose parents did not attain a 4-year college degree. Understand your career options, learn how to pursue them with advice from real-world professionals, and launch your career.
- Stellarworx - This resource makes it easy for job seekers to locate, vet, and connect with employers that are ready to hire workers who are Skilled Through Alternative Routes; or STARs. STARs have developed valuable skills through tech bootcamps, community college, military service, on the job or other alternative training routes, rather than through a bachelor’s degree.
Professional Attire for the Interview
Students are highly encouraged to make an appointment with Career & Job Placement Services in order to schedule an appointment/referral to our Dress To Impress Partners below:
- Career Gear - A local non-profit that prepares men for interviews by providing business attire for FREE.
- Dress For Success - A local non-profit that prepares women for interviews by providing business attire for FREE.
Professional Attire Standards
Students will be asked to dress in business casual at a minimum in order to attend HCC Career Fairs. Here are a few tips for being successful when dressing for the position:
- Wear A Suit: A two-piece matched suit is always the best and safest choice.
- But what if the job is in a non-suit-wearing work environment: Even if you would or could wear jeans on the job, or the work environment is outdoors and very non-suit, wearing a suit to the interview shows you take the interview seriously as a professional meeting. Dressing well is a compliment to the person(s) with whom you meet. If you think the industry in which you're interviewing would frown on a suit, or the interview will involve going to a work site where a suit would be inappropriate, look for advice through professional organizations, your professors who have been employed in that industry, and/or by asking the employer directly and politely.
- Conservative colors/fabric: Navy, dark gray (and black for women) — are safe. Other color trends may come and go; avoid the extremes. Solids or very subtle weave patterns or plaids (the kind that looks solid across a room) are safest. Wool, wool blends, or good quality microfiber for women only, are generally the best fabrics in all seasons. Avoid acetate/rayon blends.
- Cost/quality: You are not expected to be able to afford the same clothing as a corporate CEO. Do invest in quality that will look appropriate during your first two or three years on the job. One good quality suit is sufficient for a job search if that is all your budget allows. You can vary your shirt/blouse tie/accessories.
Suggestions For Men
- Suit: A two-piece matched suit is always the best and safest choice. Don't combine a suit jacket with pants that don't match.
- Conservative colors/fabric: Navy and dark gray are safe and are the most conservative for men. Black for men was once considered severe or overly formal, and may still be considered so in very conservative industries, although it is commonly worn by many. Other color trends may come and go; avoid the extremes. Choose a solid or very subtle weave pattern or plaid (the kind that looks solid across a room). Wool, wool blends, or very high-quality blends with natural fiber, are the only acceptable fabrics for a conservative men's suit.
- Cost/quality: You are not expected to be able to afford the same clothing as a corporate CEO. Do invest in quality that will look appropriate during your first two or three years on the job. One good quality suit is sufficient for a job search if that is all your budget allows. You can vary your shirt and tie.
- Ties: Tie styles come and go. Select good quality silk ties. Avoid fashion extremes, like character ties, in interviews. Notice what men in your industry wear on the job, at career fairs, at information sessions, when they meet with clients.
- Shirts: Long-sleeved shirts, even in summer. Choose white or light blue solid, or conservative stripes.
- Socks: Dark socks, mid-calf length so no skin is visible when you sit down.
- Shoes: Leather, lace-up or slip-on business shoes, preferably black or cordovan. Invest in a good pair; even if you don't wear them daily on the job, you'll need them for other occasions and you should expect to get lots of years out of good shoes.
- Belt: Black or cordovan leather, to match your shoes.
- Facial hair: If worn, facial hair should be well-groomed. Observe men in your industry if you are unsure what's appropriate or are considering changing your look.
- Jewelry: Wear a conservative watch. If you choose to wear other jewelry, be conservative. Removing earrings is safest. For conservative industries, don't wear earrings. Observe other men in your industry, to see what is acceptable.
- Details: Everything should be clean and well pressed. Suits typically have tacking stitches to hold vents — on the jacket back and on sleeves — in place before the garment is purchased. Cut them off if your retailer/tailor doesn't. And that tag stitched on the outside of your sleeve is not meant to stay there like a Tommy Hilfiger label — cut it off! Carefully inspect clothes dangling threads, etc. Don't confuse club attire with business attire. If you would wear it to a club, you probably shouldn't wear it in a business environment.
Suggestions For Women
- Hair: Should be clean, neat, and pulled back into a ponytail or bun.
- Shoes: Wear flat shoes or low pumps in colors that avoid making your feet a focal point. Avoid open-toed shoes since they are often associated with social agendas.
- Suit: A two-piece matched suit with skirt or pants is always the best and safest choice.
- Details: No missing buttons, no lint; and don't forget to remove external tags and tacking stitches from new clothes.
- Hands: Apply natural-looking makeup and clear nail polish. This keeps the focus on the interview.
- Smell: Perfume should be used sparingly or not at all. No odors in clothes. Don't smell like smoke.
- Pad-folios: Preferred over a bulky briefcase. A small briefcase is also appropriate.
- Book bags: Leave it at home for an on-site interview. For an on-campus interview, you can leave it in the waiting area.
Online Resources To Learn More About Professional Attire
- 8 Tips To Dress For Interview Success - Forbes Magazine
- 7 Outdated Fashion Rules that Men Can Now Ignore
- 10 Tips on Dressing For Your Job Interview
HCC Career Fairs
HCC Career Fairs
Career Fairs are geared to ensure students have as many opportunities as possible to network with employers in their field of interest. We highly encourage all students to attend Career Fairs at HCC on a regular basis in order to network and connect with Houston employers. Career Fairs are held in the Fall & Spring semesters.
Students and alumni register for Career Fairs in CareerHub.
Tips for success at HCC Career Fairs
- Research - Ensure you are aware of which companies will be attending and visit their website in order to be prepared to ask questions when speaking with the recruiter.
- Register - We recommend students registering for Career Fairs within the CareerHub. This is also where students can view registered employers.
- Resume - Be sure to bring dozens of resumes to give to employers.
- Upload - Upload your resume to your profile online in order for your resume to be sent to employers.
- Attire - Dress professionally as this is a serious event and you want to make a lasting first impression.
- Smile - Employers are also determining whether you would be a good fit at the company. Your personality needs to shine!
Dress To Impress Partners
We highly encourage students to prepare to dress professionally for Career Fairs. If a student does not have professional attire, they will need to schedule an appointment with the Career Center in order to have a referral to our Dress To Impress Partners where professional attire is given to the student for FREE.
Career Gear - This local non-profit provides professional business attire to men who have a financial need. (Referral from Career Services)
Dress For Success - This local non-profit provides professional business attire to women who have a financial need. (Referral from Career Services)
To visit these community partners to receive a free suit, students will need to visit the nearest Career Center to obtain a referral. We highly encourage students to schedule appointments to discuss this topic with a Career Specialist.
Additional Tips for Success at Career Fairs and Interviews
Successful Interviews
The job interview is one of the most important parts of your job search. It is your opportunity to sell your strengths and present yourself as a candidate who is uniquely qualified for the position. With preparation and practice, you can learn the skills necessary to interview effectively. The interview is usually divided into three parts:
- Ice Breaker - a few minutes of “ice-breaking” to allow the candidate to feel comfortable. "Tell me about yourself." is a common first question.
- Interviewer Questions - questions from the employer (which take the majority of the time);
- Interviewee Questions - time for the interviewee to ask questions about the organization or position.
Schedule an appointment with your Career Center to conduct a Mock Interview!
Tips For Interview Success
Mock Interview - We highly recommend you schedule an appointment with a Career Specialist in order to conduct a Mock (Practice) Interview. We have specific questions we will ask you and we can focus the interview around a specific position you are applying for!
Know Yourself - What are your skills and accomplishments that qualify you as the best candidate for the job? Be prepared to answer the general question, “tell me about yourself” by preparing a one-minute “personal statement” or bio.
Personal Statement - Prepare a one-minute “personal statement” or bio explaining your background, skills, accomplishments, strengths, and goals. Do not include information such as where you grew up or how many siblings you have. Practice this until it rolls off your tongue easily in an unrehearsed fashion. Keep in mind when answering the interviewer's questions that you want to relate your answers to the job at hand. Therefore, as with preparing your cover letter and resume, find out the skills and requirements of the job.
S.T.A.R. - Prepare an array of accomplishment statements to use as needed during the interview and practice articulating these. There is a world of difference between thinking how you will say something and actually saying it. Also, take any documentation of accomplishments with you in a folder.
Relate your accomplishments in a story-like format by using S.T.A.R.:
- Think about a Situation or Task you faced. Describe this situation in two or three sentences.
- Next, describe the Action you took. Be very specific. While you want to avoid appearing arrogant, you want to take credit for the role you played.
- Conclude by describing the Result you achieved. Discuss how your work helped an employer (a community service project, your church, child’s school, etc). Whenever possible, discuss the result in measurable or quantifiable terms.
Example - "As an Account Representative, I was expected to implement a new system process for invoices, but did not have the full support of my manager. To convince the manager to support the new process, I proposed an 8:00 a.m. meeting to discuss the project. Both the presentation and my willingness to meet so early convinced my manager to grant approval. The new system process was quickly implemented and as a result, decreased the processing time for invoices by 25 percent."
Research - Learn as much as possible about the company and be prepared to answer questions in a relevant manner and ask intelligent questions. Sources of information include past or current employees, the company’s public relations office, the company's Web site, a library or the Career Development Center. Areas of research include:
- Mission
- Corporate Culture
- Reputation/Reviews
- Services or Products
- Company Competitors
- Organizational Structure
- Positions available
Practice - It is imperative you practice interviewing – either alone, with a friend or with a career counselor. Fine-tune your interview style and become more comfortable answering questions about yourself. However, do not memorize answers or practice excessively, as this can adversely decrease your spontaneity during the interview. Above all, employers are listening to see if you have a good attitude, integrity, and would be loyal to the organization.
- Remember the 50/50, two-minute max rule. According to Richard Bolles (Author of What Color is your Parachute?) and researchers at M.I.T., persons who get hired most frequently follow this conversation mix. Essentially, you talk 50 percent of the time and listen to 50 percent of the time during the interview. Talking too much gives the impression you are self-absorbed and oblivious to the needs of the company and speaking too little conveys that you have something to hide or are a poor communicator. When asked a question, try not to speak more than two minutes when delivering the answer. According to Bolles, “People who ramble on and on don’t get hired.”
During The Interview - Questions To Ask
It is important to ask questions as the interview draws to a close since this shows interest and enthusiasm. Questions also will help you further decide if the job is right for you. (Remember, you are interviewing the company as well). Ask those questions you could not have found answers to by researching the company.
- Ask about further details of the job.
- What kind of decision-making responsibilities will I have?
- Is this a newly created position?
- Will I mostly be working individually or in a team?
- What kind of training would I receive?
- How much client contact will I have?
- How many employees are in this department?
- How much travel is typically required?
- What is the typical career path of someone who starts in this position?
- Do people often move to different departments?
- How would you describe the firm’s culture?
- What do you see as the firm’s greatest assets/weaknesses?
- What makes this firm different from its competition?
Behavior-Based Interview Questions In addition to being ready to answer these standard questions, prepare for behavior-based interview questions. This is based on the premise that a candidate's past performance is the best predictor of future performance. You will you need to be prepared to provide detailed responses including specific examples of your work experiences.
Tough Interview Questions These are some of the more difficult interview questions that you may be asked on a job interview.
Interview Questions to Ask The last job interview question you may be asked is "What can I answer for you?"
After The Interview - Questions to Ask
Always write a thank you letter or note immediately expressing interest in the job and highlighting one or two of your best qualifications. Saying “thank you” can be a powerful statement. Every time you send a thank you letter or note it is an opportunity to sell your qualifications and to leave a fresh impression in the mind of the reader. Send a thank you letter to anyone who has extended themselves in any way on behalf of your job search. Minimally, a written thank you should be sent after all of the interviews. A handwritten thank you note is also acceptable and even favored in some circumstances. Follow-up with a phone call one to two weeks after the interview regardless of which you choose.
Transferring To A University Or Professional School?
Thinking Ahead
We believe it is important for students to begin planning well in advance for a transition to a respective four-year institution that offers a degree program that is completely aligned with their career goals. Selecting the right program and institution is not an easy process and requires research, deliberation, and strategy. We have provided resources below that can assist you in making the right choice.
- Apply Texas - A centralized process where students can apply to most institutions in Texas.
- Scholarships - In addition to financial aid, this is a list of available scholarships for students.
- Career Coach - The best career assessment for HCC Eagles.
- Texas Institutions - A list of all colleges/universities in Texas.
- Houston Institutions - A list of institutions in Houston.
PROFESSIONAL PROGRAMS
- TEXAS LAW SCHOOLS - A list of all law schools in Texas.
- TEXAS MEDICAL SCHOOLS - A list of all medical schools in Texas.
- TEXAS PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT SCHOOLS - A list of all physician assistant schools in Texas.
- TEXAS PHYSICAL THERAPY SCHOOLS - A list of all physical therapy schools in Texas.
- TEXAS OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY SCHOOLS - A list of all occupational therapy schools in Texas.
- TEXAS VETERINARY SCHOOLS - A list of all veterinary programs in Texas.
- HCC NURSING PROGRAM - An overview of the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program.
- HCC/UT-TYLER/TEXAS A&M ENGINEERING - Become an engineer while enrolled at HCC.
Getting Your Foot In The Door - Workforce Certificates/Degrees Offered at HCC!
Strategic planning is imperative for students interested in achieving career success. We will be with you every step of the way as you develop your plan for pursuing your calling. Houston Community College has certificate/degree programs that can provide any proactive student with the skill set needed to thrive in the Houston job market and beyond. Career & Job Placement Services should be on your mind constantly as we want to ensure you are competitive for many years to come! Let's get started TODAY!
Have you wondered why employers require applicants to have 1-3 years of experience for a position and they still call the position, "Entry-Level"? We have wondered why as well! Its because employers can find candidates with experience in the job market on any given day. You should be one of those candidates with "entry-level" experience! This is why we have provided details below about industries along with certificates and degrees HCC offers that can get you into the field you are interested in! Yes, you can gain entry-level experience in your field of interest by enrolling in a workforce program at Houston Community College. If you have questions about your career path, please stop by one of our Career Centers to chat with us! Don't leave HCC without getting the experience you need in order to succeed in your career!
A student who is interested in race-car driving should not find it odd getting their first entry-level job working at a local automotive shop.
Another example, a student who is passionate about becoming a doctor should find it advantageous for working as a Certified Nursing Aide (CNA) while pursuing their education.
Below are more examples of getting your foot in the door:
CRIMINAL JUSTICE - Law Office Clerk, Paralegal, Police Officer, Fire Fighter, EMS,
OIL & GAS - Process Technician, Petroleum Technicians, Engineering, Electronics Engineering
MEDICAL - Medical Assistant, Dental Assistant, Nursing
BUSINESS - Accountant, Commerical Real Estate Professional, Banker
TRANSPORTATION - Supply Chain Specialist, Automotive Technician
COMPUTERS - Cyber Security Specialist, Help Desk Technician, Animator
ARCHITECTURE - Drafter, Pipe Designer
MARKETING - Multi-Media Specialist, Digital Communication Specialist
MANUFACTURING - Machinist, Welder, Manufacturing Engineer
CONSTRUCTION - Air Conditioning Technician, Electrician, Construction Helper
HOSPITALITY - Restaurant Management Professional, Chef
PERFORMANCE - Music Producer, Film Maker, Audio Recording Specialist, Performer
Fake Jobs and What You Should Do!
Fake Jobs are out there! Here is what you need to know!
Unfortunately, there are individuals out there that are attempting to take advantage of students who are in need of internships and jobs! The National Association of Colleges & Employers (NACE) has advice for Students & Alumni:
STUDENTS: RED FLAGS TO CONSIDER
What are some “red flags” students should be aware of and consider to avoid fraudulent employers when using online job and internship sites?
- Research company websites thoroughly: Does the company have a website? Does the website match up with the posting? Does the website look legitimate? Look to see if the organization is using a company domain versus a general Gmail or Hotmail account. Match the e-mail address to the company domain. Watch for e-mail addresses that are similar looking, but not the same. Look for “stock photos,” grammatical errors, and poor use of English language.
- Be leery of non-approved employment flyers on college campuses and other establishments.
- Use social media to research each employer, e.g., Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, LinkedIn. Research the company on websites such as Glassdoor.com for feedback and complaints.
- Be cognizant of unsolicited e-mails that are not specifically directed to you. Many employers have access to resumes via career centers. Therefore, reach out to your career center should you have any concerns or questions.
- Keep your private information private! Don’t share personal information, e.g., social security numbers, banking information, credit or debit card numbers, PINs, passwords, birthday, address, mother’s maiden name).
- Never process ANY financial transactions. For example: Some companies offer opportunities to “make money really quick.” They will offer a “one day only special.” Their intent is to defraud you by sending or wiring money to your bank account. They will ask you to cash the check or send the monies to other accounts. Once your bank or financial institution processes the scammer’s check or financial request, you may be informed the monies are invalid or “not real.” In the meantime, you are held responsible for the funds the bank has sent at your direction to other accounts.
- Fraudulent companies are phishing for the unsuspecting, including you. Be aware of what you share and post online. If you feel uncomfortable or aren’t sure about certain companies or employers, talk to your career center.
Learn more about what you should do to protect yourself from jobs scams!
CJPS Approved Resume Template (Microsoft Word Document) [19 kbs]
HCC Career & Job Placement Services understands that students can find resume advice and templates on the internet. We have a preferred template that helps structure the resume in a clear and concise manner. Resumes are the most important documents a jobseeker will ever create and maintain.
We reserve the right to not approve resumes that do not meet our standards. Resumes that resemble or follow our standards outlined in the resume template above will be approved.
HCC Career Centers & Contact Information
Northeast Career Centers
Northeast Career Centers
Manager - Dr. Avis Horde
HCC-Northline: 8001 Fulton St, Houston, TX 77022
- Location: Building A, Room 117 (First Floor)
- Office Hours: Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- Drop-In Hours: (Just Walk-In!)
- Phone: 713.718.5291
HCC-Codwell: 555 Community College Drive, Houston, TX 77013
- Location: Learning Hub - Student Services, Job Placement Office (First Floor)
- Office Hours: Monday - Friday: 8.am. - 5p.m.
- Drop-In Hours: (Just Walk-In!)
- Phone: 713.718.5214
Supports the following Centers of Excellence:
Southwest Career Centers
Southwest Career Centers
Manager - Vonda Dargin
HCC-West Loop Center: 5601 West Loop S, Houston, TX 77081
- Location: Suite 114 (First Floor)
- Office Hours: Monday - Thursday: 8 a.m. - 6:30 p.m., Friday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- Drop-In Hours: (Just Walk-In!)
- Phone: 713.718.7718
HCC-Stafford Center: 10041 Cash Road, Stafford, TX 77477
- Location: Learning Hub, Room 142
- Office Hours: Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- Drop-In Hours: (Just Walk-In!)
- Phone: 713.718.6504
Supports the following Centers of Excellence:
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Business
- Digital & Information Technology
- Media Arts & Technology
Northwest Career Centers
Northwest Career Centers
Manager - Sharon Thomas
HCC-Alief Hayes: 2811 Hayes Road, Houston, TX 77082
- Location: Testing Center (First Floor)
- Office Hours: Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- Drop-In Hours: (Just Walk-In!)
- Phone: 713.718.7237
HCC-Spring Branch: 1010 West Sam Houston Parkway North, Houston, TX 77043
- Location: Room SL2 - (Across from the Admissions office)
- Office Hours: Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- Drop-In Hours: (Just Walk-In!)
- Phone: 713.718.5423
HCC-Katy: 22910 Colonial Parkway Katy, Texas 77493
- Location: Dean of Students Office
- Office Hours: Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- Drop-In Hours: (Just Walk-In!)
- Phone: 713.718.5774
Supports the following Centers of Excellence
- Engineering
- Media Arts & Technology
- Business
- Visual & Performing Arts
Central Career Center
Central Career Center
Manager - Filecha Lucas
HCC-Central Campus: Learning Hub Building, 1300 Holman St, Houston, TX 77004
- Location: Learning Hub Science Building - Suite 115 (First Floor)
- Office Hours: Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- Drop-In Hours: (Just Walk-In!)
- Phone: 713.718.6955
Supports the following Centers of Excellence
- Consumer Arts & Sciences
- Architectural Design & Construction
- Visual & Performing Arts
- Education
- Business
Southeast Career Centers
Southeast Career Center
Manager - Adalia Espinosa
HCC-Eastside Campus: 6815 Rustic St, Houston, TX 77087
- Location: Learning Hub Building, Room 211 (2nd Floor)
- Office Hours: Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- Drop-In Hours (Just Walk-In!):
- Phone: 713.718.5030
Supports the following Centers of Excellence
Coleman Career Center
Coleman Career Center
Manager - Regina Ricks
HCC-Coleman: 1900 Pressler St, Houston, TX 77030
- Location: The Center, Room 100A
- Office Hours: 8:00am-5:00pm
- Drop-In Hours: (Just Walk-In!)
- Phone: 713.718.2451
Supports the following Center of Excellence