02.21.2012

Career Quest Success Stories - Christopher Carrigan, IT

@font-face { font-family: "Calibri";}@font-face { font-family: "Cambria";}p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }p.Default, li.Default, div.Default { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri; color: black; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }Guest Post by Andrew Belanger,  Career Services Coordinator at CQLC Lansing Campus Christopher Carrigan We love sharing our student's success stories, keep reading to hear about Christopher's IT Career Success Story.  Christopher Carrigan started taking classesin March of 2011 at Career Quest Learning Centers in the (IT) InformationTechnology Professional program. After working twelve plus years providingcustomer service in the auto Industry, he wanted to change career fields. Christopherwas looking for the opportunity to get into a field where he could grow anddevelop as a professional and provide for his family. After starting his training program it wasevident that Christopher was dedicated to his studies. He excelled in hiscoursework and was eager to learn all things IT. Shortly before graduating inDecember 2011, he opened a Computer Consulting and Repair Store; Lost CreekComputer Solutions in Potterville, Michigan. As Owner Operator and Lead RepairTechnician, he has found working in the IT Field very rewarding. Providingquality customer service he has expanded his customer base and is lookingforward to the continued growth of his business. Like with his studies, Christopher was verydedicated to his job search. He took advantage of Career Services and theirresources, attended workshops, networking groups and utilized LinkedIn fornetworking. Shortly after graduation Christophers hardwork paid off. Early in ...more

02.14.2012

Finding part-time work that fits you!

Guest post by Danielle Cook, Career Quest Learning Centers in LansingPart-time jobs are just that, part-time, they are the jobs you work at to get you through school and pay the bills. If you’ve ever been back to Career Services and asked us about employment, chances are you’ve heard us say “Are you just looking for a job to get you through school or are you looking for a career opportunity?”Even though it may be just a part-time job we want to enjoy going to work. Here are some tricks to finding a part-time job that fits you:Know what you’re looking forBeforehand think about where you would like to work and more importantly what’s going to be a good schedule for you.Get out and into the communityThe best ways to find those part time jobs is to get out into the community and network. By going to your local mall and window shopping for job postings.Big name and big brandsThere is a reason the big name search engines are so popular. They have millions of job postings and update daily. Use them to get a feel for whose hiring in your area. Don’t be afraid to look on company websites and do a little investigating on your own.Don’t give upIf you didn’t get the job you wanted or an interview at the store you had your eye on DON’T GIVE UP. There are hundreds of people in the area looking for part-time work just like you. Keep trying and putting your resume out there. Take the opportunity to learn what you did right and what you could have done better. You can use that information to ace the next interview.About the Author  Danielle Cook is part of CQLC’s Lansing Campus’s Career Services Team and is current Editor and Chief of “The Quest” CQLC’s Career Services Monthly Newsletter. She has worked in human resources as a specialist supporting a wide variety of daily HR ...more

02.07.2012

2012 Hot Career Fields

Trends show that the health care and technology industries are growing.This is good news for jobs. Keep reading for tips on how to get started in a hot new career this year.1.   Enroll in a career-focused program. Specialized knowledge equals security in almost any field. Specific career training will make you more appealing to employers.2.   Talk the Talk. Stay on top of industry trends. Take note of the latest buzzwords andacronyms that may be bounced around during interviews. Books, professional magazines and journals, and online chats are all great resources for this type of information.3.   Look for opportunities for real-life experience. Externships, Internships and volunteering are all great ways to gain experience while your still in school or working other ...more

01.31.2012

The Career Passport

If you want to be successful inyour career search, be sure you have the right road map! Career Quest has takenthe experience of the most successful job seekers and compiled it into a CareerPassport. Spend time to get a stamp of completion in each  'area' of this passport and you're wellon your way. Students who attend Career Quest are guided through each one,making sure those stamps really do mean something.Here are some of the areas weknow are essential to landing in that ideal destination: your new careerposition.�        Creatinga Goal Map�         InformationalInterviews�         ResumeUpdate�         InterviewEtiquette�         JobApplications�         References�         MockInterviews�         JobShadow�         ResearchPotential Employers�         InterviewFollow ...more

01.23.2012

How-To Talk About You!

Have you ever been in an interview and been asked to “tellme about yourself”? Many people struggle to talk about themselves in aninterview; here are some tips for making a good impression:FocusList five strengths you have that are pertinent tothis job (experiences, traits, skills, etc.). What do you want the interviewerto know about you when you leave?ScriptPrepare a script that includes the information youwant to convey. Begin by talking about past experiences and proven success.Next, mention your strengths and abilities and conclude with a statement aboutyour current situation and goals.PracticePractice with your script until you feel confidentabout what you want to emphasize in your statement. Your script should help youstay on track, but you shouldn't memorize it -- you don't want to sound stiffand rehearsed. It should sound natural and conversational. Even if you are notasked this type of question to begin the interview, this preparation will helpyou focus on what you have to offer. For examples, read more here: ...more

01.16.2012

How To Start a New Career in 2012

Where do you want to be next year? You can change your life in just one year, heres how:1.    Take control of your career pathThe key here is to not let your past determine your future. Its important to think Career  not jobs. Dont just look for a new job, look for career fields that interest you. Do you like to help people? Maybe youd like to work in the fast-growing health care field. Are you good with computers? Consider a career in information technology or office administration. 2.    Dont be afraid to start something newChoosing a career is a commitment to your future. You will spend most of your adult life working, so you should be in a career you choose. The job market is changing rapidly and there are new career training programs to help people get skills in their fields of interest. You can find new career opportunities today, even if you dont have previous experience in the field.3.    Look where the jobs areIf you want a new career, go where the jobs are.  The Bureau of Labor Statistics or the Chamber of Commerce in your city are both great resources. Some career fields growing right now are Computers and Technology; Health Care and Education.4.    Get training and experienceEmployers want to hire people who already have the foundation skills needed to succeed. Career Quest, allow students to earn certifications after completing career focused training programs, which typically can be completed in 6 to 12 months. Thanks to convenient day and night class schedules, many students keep their jobs while going back to school.  Another advantage Career Quest offers to students is externships, which give you real-life work experience while youre in school. 5.    Set ...more

01.09.2012

Is your Online Image Career-Ready?

Employerscheck social media sites just like they check references.While LinkedIn is touted as the professional socialmedia site to use in the job search, only 46% o hiring managers screened theirapplicants through it. 76%ofhiring managers checked in on applicants on Facebook. 53%&nsp;ofhiring managers looked into applicants on Twitter. 69%ofrecruiters reported that they rejected a job candidate based on somethingthey saw on the applicants social media profileAssumeyour future boss will see anything youve posted publically. Here are tips toclean and polish your online image.1.    Havea current LinkedIn page with a professional looking photo2.    Listyour career education and any certificates you have- include in-progress  3.    Considerall your privacy settings- FB just for friends is smart4.    Removephotos and tagged photos that show behavior that could cost you a job 5.    Removelanguage you would not use on the job6.    Removeany tweets/posts/blogs that comment negatively on past ...more