Alexis Antoniadis / Roundup
The Career Center hosted a presentation yesterday focused on informing students about jobs that are available to them with just a two-year degree from Pierce.
Lindsay Barbarino, one of the career advisors at Pierce, directed the lecture with a power point visual and information about how associate’s degrees will give students the most job options for the area they enjoy working in.
Barbarino highly recommends taking a self-assessment test, which is available to take in the Career Office by appointment. The self-assessment test will determine what area you will enjoy working in the most.
“It helps organize your thoughts,” said Barbarino.
The lecture also brought awareness to students that not every associate’s degree will lead to immediate employment. Barbarino suggests internships, networking, and being very active while still in school to better one’s chances.
“There are so many things you can do as a student to improve your odds to get a job,” said Barbarino.
Fredy Martirema, who is a 24-year-old prospective student at Pierce, attended the lecture hoping to receive guidance about what is the fastest way he can earn a degree in something that he loves.
“I just don’t have time to earn a four-year degree at a university,” said Martirema.
During the lecture, Barbarino explains that an associate’s degree is not just for a specific type of person; it’s based on what your needs and goals are as an individual.
“An associate’s degree allows [students] to complete their education in a timely manner,” said Barbarino.
Anthony Dang, who is a 20-year-old child development major, went to the lecture expecting to gain more information about an associate’s degree. Dang gained said information, and decided to change his major as well.
“I enjoy helping people, and seeing what I can do with a degree in child development made me switch majors,” said Dang.
Barbarino’s most important emphasized advice to students is to see a counselor.
After the lecture, Martirema received additional advice, and even plans to set up an appointment to discuss his educational goals.
“I got all I expected and more,” he said.