Career Services welcomes professionals to campus to share and connect

Career Services regularly hosts events that expose students to potential job paths and connects them with industry professionals. Two events this past week highlighted the value of partnering with our community and educating students on careers.

Justice System Career Panel and Fair

Clark College students, alumni, and community members gathered in Foster Auditorium on May 14 for an engaging panel discussion and career fair, designed to introduce attendees to the diverse career opportunities within the justice system.

Hosted by Clark College Career Services and the Clark County Bar Association Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, the event provided invaluable insights into the various career pathways available in the field.

The panel discussion featured professionals from a range of disciplines within the justice system. Panelists shared their experiences, discussed the challenges and rewards of their careers, and answered questions from attendees, fostering a lively and informative dialogue.

Panelists included:

• Anna Lookingbill, LICSW: Jail Transition Manager, Clark County Jail Services
• Jamie Schulz: Paralegal, Butchard Law
• Alicia Hensley: Management Analyst, Clark County District Court
• Amy Harlan: Diversion Counselor, Clark County Prosecuting Attorney
• Jade Day: Interpreter Services Coordinator, Clark County District Court
• LaQuinta Daniels: RCS Program Coordinator, Clark County Juvenile Court
• Heather Kahl: Family Court Services Coordinator/Guardian ad Litem, Clark County Superior Court
• Erin Welch: Detention Alternatives Supervisor, Clark County Juvenile Court
• Deagan Williams: Program Coordinator -Jury Administration, Clark County Superior Court
• Cory Bobeck: Attorney/Rule 6, Johnson & Associates
• Stephanie Stephenson: Probation Services Case Manager, Clark County District Court
• Christopher Swaby: Chief Defender, Clark County Public Defense

Following the discussion, attendees moved to the Foster Lobby, where they engaged in one-on-one conversations with panelists and other community members in an informal career fair setting. This space allowed students to connect personally with professionals, ask in-depth questions, and gather resources to support their career exploration. Many students expressed appreciation for the opportunity to build meaningful connections and gain greater clarity about potential career paths in the justice field.

In addition to career exploration, participants enjoyed complimentary pizza and drinks while networking with potential mentors and employers. The event successfully inspired students and community members to consider roles within the justice system, reinforcing the importance of education and professional engagement in pursuing justice-related careers.

Business and Entrepreneurship Career Connect Event

Clark College’s Career Services team hosted the Business & Entrepreneurship Career Connect Event on May 13th, 2025, offering students, alumni, and community members a valuable opportunity to engage with industry professionals and explore potential career pathways.

Held in the Scarpelli Hall Lobby, the event welcomed over 30 students, along with eight employers, faculty and instruction representatives, student success coaches, academic advisors, and career services team members.

Rather than a traditional job fair, the event served as an interactive platform for attendees to gain insight into various industries, understand career trajectories, and build meaningful connections with seasoned professionals.

The employers who attended included:

• Ken Torre
• Rally Pizza/Lucky Horseshoe
• Northwest Business Development Association
• Odyssey World
• John Jackson Insurance
• Neil Jones Food Company
• Wurthy.co
• Vancouver Housing Authority

From the moment attendees arrived, conversations flowed as students sought advice, asked questions, and engaged in discussions about the realities of working in business and entrepreneurship. Employers shared expertise on industry trends, provided guidance on professional development, and helped students visualize career paths beyond what’s found in job postings. Faculty and advisors played a vital role in bridging the gap between academic learning and industry expectations, ensuring students saw the bigger picture in their career journeys.

The atmosphere was welcoming and dynamic, with career exploration activities, a bingo game, and a raffle for a Clark College Bookstore gift card. Many students also took advantage of the opportunity to get professional headshots, helping them refine their LinkedIn profiles and personal portfolios.

Attendees expressed their appreciation for the event, highlighting how valuable it was to connect with professionals in a supportive environment. The chance to speak directly with industry experts and gain insights that will support the next steps in their career paths.

Next Career Connect Event

Clark College’s Career Services team continues to create opportunities for students and alumni to engage with professionals from diverse fields.

The next Career Connect event will take place on May 28 in Cannell Library from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., focusing on the Creative & Communications Arts area of study.