Helping grads pass the biggest test

"College might prepare someone for the working world, but the actual process of looking for jobs and connecting with employers often is left solely to the student. For three years, however, the Business Relations Center at Olympic College has done just that. We're try to keep developing work skills, said Sandra Fuller-Hill, cooperative education coordinator at Olympic College. We want to build experience that can go on resumes.The center originally was split between two offices, until OC's Career Services and Cooperative Education programs realized they could streamline their services and joined forces. The new office has combined the best of both offices to provide students with everything from job listings to resumé and interview evaluations to job coaching. We served as a one-stop location, Fuller-Hill said.From the first day of classes, the center has remained busy. Olympic student Jennifer Cardinal looked for a job where she could use the accounting degree she is working on.She said the center provides information that certain job descriptions don't. They tell you right away what you're looking at, Cardinal said. All the things you want to know going in, like pay and hours, you know right away so you don't waste time. Cardinal also found the center helpful because it keeps records of each student it serves, updating and researching work history.Kitsap high school students involved with Running Start, a program under which high school students can simultaneously earn high school diplomas and college associate degrees, have found jobs with the center, as well. Jeremy Geier, a junior at Bremerton High School, said the center was perfect for his needs as a student and as someone who wants some extra money. I want a job where I learn a new skills and put some cash in my pocket, Geier said. Fuller-Hill credited the newfound accessibility with making the center grow by leaps and bounds. Two to five new employers have joined each week, including U.P.S., Sage Manufacturing and the North Kitsap School District. Fuller-Hill said the center has worked to expand what students think they are able to do with their skills in Kitsap County.The biggest challenge here is showing them there are other employers out there besides the Department of Defense, Fuller-Hill said. They need to know what other opportunities are out there. "