Trenton, N.J. – Students in MCCC’s Career Training Institute (CTI) got some lessons that will resonate long after they leave Mercer in pursuit of jobs and further education. Approximately 100 students attended a morning-long Career Workshop on March 1 in Kerney Hall to learn practical tips that lead to job success.
Special guest Amanda Suralik, a representative from OfficeTeam, addressed the group. OfficeTeam is an employment agency with 315 locations worldwide, including several New Jersey locations.
Suralik discussed the do’s and don't's of resume writing and interview skills, as well as the services provided by OfficeTeam in helping people secure jobs.
Taking the microphone next was Lorrie Klaric, executive director of the Mercer County Dress for Success organization. Klaric described the group's mission and the services Dress for Success offers women. Among them are tips on professional attire, resume reviews, interview strategies, career workshops and ongoing support.
“We want you to be independent and successful. Our organization can help with a network of support and career development tools to help you thrive in work and in life,” Klaric said. She encouraged students to visit Dress for Success’s Lawrenceville office and take advantage of these services.
The morning concluded with “Suit Up for Success,” MCCC's annual business attire distribution program that took place in a partitioned area of the Trenton Campus's Center City Café. (The gently-used clothing was donated to the college by staff and faculty members from Princeton University.)
Over two days, 219 pieces of clothing were distributed to 65 noncredit and credit students, according to Craig A. Morris, assistant director of Community Education and Training at the Trenton Campus and the shopping event's main organizer.
“I am so very grateful for the assistance provided by Fashion Program Coordinator Allegra Ceci and the members of a new student group interested in fashion,” Morris said. “The students organized and set up all of the clothing for distribution and provided fashion advice to the students who shopped, helping them pick out items and coordinate outfits.”
According to student leader Safiyyah Muhsin, the group has come together with fashion as its theme, but its main goal is community service. "We want to get involved in projects that help people, especially with issues of self-esteem and body image," she said.
Morris also acknowledged the assistance of staff members Scott Bollwage, Justin Tibbets, and Larond Sheppard. “This was truly a team effort," he said. All leftover clothing items were donated to the Trenton Rescue Mission.
Career workshops are organized by Trenton Campus staff member Geraldine Isme.
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