Workforce Skills & Preparation
Research has found that "those who participate in work-based learning, such as an internship or apprenticeship, are significantly more likely to be satisfied with their careers". Prior to applying for employment opportunities, we encourage you to review your work-place skills & abilities, update or create a resume/cover letter, and prepare for interviews by utilizing the services below. Being prepared is 70% percent of landing that job or internship you are interested in! Let's get you ready!
Career Peer Ambassadors
The Career Peer Ambassador Program is a team of dedicated, knowledgeable, and friendly students who represent the San Diego Mesa College Career Center. They guide their peers through their career journeys by providing peer-to-peer coaching sessions on job searching, résumés writing, cover letter writing, and interview preparation, as well as other career readiness resources.
How to make an appointment
Students can schedule their appointments with a Career Peer Ambassador at their convenience through Handshake. Appointments are offered in-person, virtual on Handshake, and email throughout the semester. Students are highly encouraged to create a Handshake account to see all available appointment dates and types. Click here to view step-by-step instructions on how to book an appointment on Handshake.
Students needing further assistance can contact the Career Center with their name and CSID # by phone (619-388-2777), email at mesacareer@sdccd.edu, or visit us on the 3rd floor of the Student Services bldg. (I4-306)
Learn more about our Career Peer Ambassadors
Résumé & Cover Letter Help
- Résumé:
- A résumé is a concise and easy to-read summary of your professional experience on
paper. It serves as the "sales" tool to help you market yourself to potential employers.
It tells employers a story about the following:
- Who you are as an employee
- Your employment history
- Your strengths and accomplishments
- Your skills and abilities
- Demonstrates why the prospective employer should call you in for an interview
- Our Résumé Preparation Handbook is the to-go guide for you to excel in writing a standout resume.
- A résumé is a concise and easy to-read summary of your professional experience on
paper. It serves as the "sales" tool to help you market yourself to potential employers.
It tells employers a story about the following:
- Cover letter:
- A cover letter which can also be in the form of a cover email is an essential part of the job search process. A cover letter should be included with every resume and/or job application that you send out, even when it is not requested because it serves as your introduction to a prospective employer.
- Our Cover Letter Handbook is what you need to have a compelling cover letter.
- Check out the Career Center's Résumé & Cover Letter Crash Course Series for more useful tips!
Interview Preparation & Follow Up
Preparing for a job interview doesn't have to be stressful! With the proper research, and practicing ahead of time, you can prepare for any interview by utilizing the resources below.
View the Interview Preparation Handbook to learn more about the different types of interviews, how to dress for success, and other tips on the interviewing process.
Big Interview
Big Interview is an online mock interview tool designed to meet you wherever you are at 24/7 - get started today by creating your account with your student ID #.
Features of the tool include:
- Virtual mock interviews for all experience levels and a variety of industries
- A database of thousands of interview questions with tips on how to answer them
- Comprehensive video training curriculum covering all aspects of landing a job
- Step-by-step interview Answer Builder for crafting answers to behavioral questions
Dress for Success
Always dress for success! If you are preparing for employment opportunities and in need of FREE professional clothing, visit The Stand, located in K-105 & K-106. Appointments are not required. Please visit The Stand's website for more information.
