To celebrate Career Development Month, Valencia College’s Career Center hosted Envision Your Future Career on November 6 at East Campus, providing students with opportunities to explore career paths, connect with industry professionals, and receive personalized guidance.
The event featured various college departments, including the Career Center, Information Technology, and Internship & Workforce Services. Employers such as EA Sports, Paylocity, and the U.S. Marine Corp. also participated, offering valuable insights and networking opportunities for students focused on their career goals.
Upon arrival, students checked in at the registration table to receive an event map and a ticket for food and refreshments. With maps in hand, they navigated the tables that matched their career interests, engaging with representatives who offered information and resources on diverse career fields.
Each table showcased materials like banners, brochures, and business cards to inform students about the available career options. At the Library station, Brian Calhoun, librarian, introduced students to professional development resources available at Valencia College, noting, “The library provides a database for job openings and a career guide to support students in their career exploration.” Calhoun highlighted the library’s resources for job searches, career research, and skill development.
At the Career Center table, Cassandra Hayley, career advisor, explained the center’s mission, “We assist students with major and career exploration, résumé reviews, practice interviews, job market information, and transfer planning.” Hayley encouraged students to utilize these face-to-face or online services to help them achieve their career aspirations.
One of the most popular tables was the Information Technology and Cybersecurity table, where students learned about the Bachelor of Applied Science in Computing Technology and Software Development.
Leon Silas, student success coach, explained, “Our department helps students understand degree options, answer their questions, and explore different career paths within the tech industry.” Silas emphasized the wide range of opportunities in technology and the importance of staying current with industry trends.
The event was exciting for Tasneem Shahnewaz, a computer science student, who shared, “I feel the event is very informative and important because it helps people understand their majors better and become more clear about their futures.”
Shaun Bevan, project manager at SilverLogic, attended the event to recruit new talent for the company. He explained that Silver Logic is a software consulting and development firm dedicated to helping clients bring their ideas to life through custom solutions that enhance user experience and reduce costs. “Our services include web design, app programming, business automation, and augmented reality,” Bevan shared.
The Internship and Workforce Services team was also present, providing insights into Central Florida’s job market trends and offering guidance on career preparation. They encouraged students to visit their office or explore resources on their website for additional support.
Envision Your Future Career allowed students to connect with resources, network with professionals, and gain clarity on their academic and career paths.