Jan. 17, 2002
Contact: Teri Hendrickson (509-963-1921/fax 509-963-2418/e-mail: hendrick@cwu.edu)
ELLENSBURG, Wash. - Central Washington University will assist students as they prepare for a tightening job market during the seventh annual Accessing Career Employment Success Strategies (A.C.E.S.S.) program Saturday, Feb. 2, on the Ellensburg campus. The event is sponsored by Central's career development services.
“This is a tough employment year – not just our students, but all students – as they look for their first jobs," Teri Hendrickson, CWU recruiting coordinator-event planner, says. “So, it’s important that they take advantage of all opportunities to get started on their career paths. And, A.C.E.S.S. is one of the best opportunities.”
Companies involved will include Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Lamb Weston, Sherwin Williams, Target, The Boeing Company and The Bon Marché, Hendrickson notes.
Representatives of those firms will lead small, interactive group sessions addressing issues and answering questions on a variety of business-related topics, including “Job Prospects in a Challenging Market” and “Evaluating Your Benefits.”
“Another workshop, ‘Working Your Way from the Outside In (and Other Dining Tips)’ addresses professional dining etiquette,” Hendrickson says. “A lot of interviews happen over a meal. Dining etiquette can make or break you in some companies. It’s really going to be a fun workshop. And, students get to practice what they learn.”
That opportunity comes during a special A.C.E.S.S. luncheon, featuring a business wardrobe presentation by the CWU student chapter of Alpha Kappa Psi.
After lunch, the firms will conduct mock employment interviews with individual students, and CWU career counselors will be available to critique student resumes.
“The workshops pertain to all CWU students interested in perfecting their job search skills, whether it be for summer employment, internships or permanent employment,” Hendrickson says. “Students can attend A.C.E.S.S. each year they’re at Central and never attend the same workshop twice, because we change them to adapt to current employment and hiring trends.”
The cost for students is $15, which covers lunch and materials. The registration deadline is Friday, Jan. 28. To register, for more information, or for persons of disability to arrange for reasonable accommodation, call (509) 963-1921 or (for the hearing impaired) TDD (509) 963-3323.
Many of the same employers who participate in A.C.E.S.S. will return to CWU for Career Quest, Central's April career fair, and will interview students for real job opportunities at that time, Hendrickson points out.
