Building Pathways to Employment

Building Pathways to Employment: Highlights from the SCC Jobs & Career Fair

Energy and opportunity filled the Vazquez Promenade as students and employers came together to explore career pathways. Drawing nearly 200 students, alongside 50 employers and participation from the campus community, the Jobs & Career Fair reflected strong engagement from students, industry partners, and the SCC community.

The event was hosted through a collaborative effort between Career Services, Business and Career Education (BCE), and the Division of Continuing Education, bringing together students, campus partners, and industry professionals for a day focused on career exploration, networking, and workforce connection.

Employers who participated in the fair represented a broad range of industries, including healthcare, public service, education, business, community-based organizations, and more. Notable participating organizations included OC Parks, Autism Learning Partners, and Bank of America, among many others; all providing students with access to employment, internship, or career pathway opportunities. Seven campus departments were also present, strengthening visibility and access to student support services.

A key feature of the event was the Career Passport, designed to guide student engagement and encourage meaningful interaction with employers. The passport prompted students to connect with at least three employers, creating intentional opportunities to practice networking, explore career pathways, and begin building connections that may lead to future employment. The passport’s success is best illustrated by the 187 students who completed it, each taking intentional steps to connect with employers, explore career pathways, and practice professional networking in a real-world setting.

In addition to employer networking, two career-focused workshops were offered to support student preparation and confidence in navigating the job market: “Level Up your LinkedIn Profile” presented by MESA and “The Yin & Yang of School & Work” presented by NextUp. Professional headshots were also provided by TRIO, enabling students to enhance their LinkedIn profiles and professional presence online. The event concluded with an informational session for the Big Brothers, Big Sisters’ OC Workplace Mentorship Program.

The Jobs & Career Fair reflects the college’s ongoing commitment to aligning academic programs with workforce opportunities. The strong collaboration across departments and engagement with industry partners contributed to a well-attended and impactful event that supported students in taking meaningful steps toward their career goals.