Over 300 people attended November's Career Fair, which was a successful collaboration between QCC, Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) and MassHire.
The agencies at the Career Fair such as the Mass. Commission for the Blind, the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) and MassAbility, all provide important services to citizens of the state and offer opportunities to work closely with communities and connect with clients. Additionally, many representatives noted that there is plenty of room to grow within these organizations.
“It’s a supportive work environment and very rewarding with tangible results,” Jack Houlker said of MassAbility, where he has worked for 10 years.
Human Services student Kiarilys Villa, who took some time off of school to have a daughter is now back at QCC and ready to hit the ground running. She visited several booths in search of a case worker position.
“I want to create a better future for my daughter,” Kiarilys said.
“This fair was important to connect job seekers to the many open positions within the state organizations. The job seekers were well-prepared with their resumes and professionally dressed. All the employers in attendance commented on the event being well- organized and well-attended,” noted Coordinator of Career Services & Credit for Prior Learning Nichole Wheeler.
One attendee from the community showed that it’s never too late to follow your passions. Nearing retirement age, he realized he wasn’t happy with his job in the pharmaceutical industry. He attended the career fair specifically because he always had an interest in helping people, volunteering and being involved with community organizations. Now, he said, is the time to do something he truly cares about.
“We like to partner with community colleges for that grassroots experience and create pipelines for students who are getting their associate degrees and educate them on the opportunities we have. QCC is a great campus in a great location,” said Marc Breau, talent acquisition manager for EOHHS.
Representatives at the Career Fair included:
- Executive Office of Elder Affairs
- Executive Office of Health & Human Services
- Department of Children and Families
- Department of Developmental Services
- Department of Public Health
- Department of Mental Health
- Department of Transitional Assistance
- Department of Youth Services
- Mass Ability (formerly MRC)
- Mass Commission for the Blind
- Mass Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
- Office for Refugees & Immigrants
- Quinsigamond Community College
- Quinsigamond Community College Campus Police