On May 28, Clark’s students tapped into their creative potential at the bi-quarterly Career Connect event, held at Connell Library. This series invites local businesses to campus to showcase career opportunities across Clark’s many fields of study. This time, the spotlight was focused on Creative and Communication Arts. 

When students stepped into the library, they were greeted by a vibrant mix of storytellers, broadcasters, artists, and publishers. Representatives from KOIN 6 News, Hazy Dell Press, StorySpark Collective, the Regional Arts & Culture Council, and award-winning artist Jose Solis offered insight into the diverse and dynamic world of creative careers. 

For some students, the path forward is already clear. For others, events like this are a chance to make connections and explore their options.  

“Sometimes, you’ve just got to try something,” said Renee Yama from Hazy Dell Press, a Portland-based children’s book publisher. “Ask yourself—are you enjoying it?” 

That willingness to seek out opportunities was at the heart of the event. Students moved from table to table, having real conversations with professionals who have turned their passion into a profession. It was about making connections, asking questions, and imagining possibilities. 

“These vendors have that lived experience, so students can see viable pathways through these discussions,” said Michael Caldwell, Career Advisor at Clark. 

Student Success Coaches and Career Advisors were also on hand to offer guidance, reminding students that they aren’t navigating their futures alone. While Career Services primarily supports current students, resources and events like Career Connect are also open to alumni and other community members. 

Held twice per quarter, Career Connect rotates through the areas of study at Clark, such as STEM, Healthcare, and Business and Entrepreneurship. Each event features between 5-10 vendors tailored to that field, giving students a chance to engage with industry professionals in a casual setting that’s welcoming and intentionally small-scale.  

Learn More 

Explore resources and upcoming events through Clark College’s Career Services at https://www.clark.edu/enroll/careers/.  

• How do Clark students who are enrolled in technology or engineering programs learn about the multitude of career paths available to them?
• Who can offer them real-world insights about what it’s like working as a civil engineer in the private sector versus the public sector?
• Where can students find out about paid summer internships in their field?

The answer to these questions is simple: Career Connect!

Career Connect events are open to Clark students, alumni, and community members. They provide opportunities to make connections and learn about internships, jobs, careers, and academic pathways. Clark staff, faculty, and local employers were in one place to support students. Opportunities are also regularly posted on Penguin Jobs, Clark’s online job and internship board.

Career Connect networking events provide an opportunity for Clark students in specific programs to connect with employers. At the Career Connect on February 4 in Cannell Library, students pursuing engineering and technology career paths had opportunities to meet with industry professionals and explore their career options.

Connecting with employers

At the Multnomah County table, students were waiting to speak to the two representatives. Cole Whitehurst, who coordinates Multnomah County’s College to County Mentorship Program, had good news for Clark students. The program is hiring about 50 summer interns in a variety of county departments. The internships pay $24 per hour.

Whitehurst handed students a flyer with a QR code that linked to the internship webpage and encouraged them to apply. Applications will open March 14 and will close at 9 a.m. on April 15 deadline. It requires a resume and cover letter.

At the Wallis Engineering table, an Engineer and a Recruiter spoke with a Clark engineering student who had many questions. What kinds of projects do civil engineers work on? What does the day-to-day work look like?

Similar conversations happened throughout the space as students and industry professionals talked about the opportunities in their professions.

Connecting with resources

“If students would like assistance creating a resume and cover letter for any opportunity, the team at Career Services is ready to help,” said Alex Kison, Workforce and Student Engagement Navigator of Career Services.

In addition to exploring career pathways, students connected with the Career Services team, the Academic Advising department, and Student Success Coaches, learning more about the resources available in the Clark College community.

The following employers participated in the Career Connect on February 4:

• Clark Public Utilities
• C-Tran
• edgefi
• Multnomah County, Oregon
• Wallis Engineering

About Career Connect

Career Connect Events are open to Clark students, alumni, and community members and provide opportunities to make connections and learn about internships, jobs, careers and academic pathways. Clark staff, faculty and local employers will all be in one place to support students.

Next Career Connect

Who: Clark students enrolled or interested in biological, social, and physical sciences or STEM. All students and community members are welcome!

When: Tuesday, February 25 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where: STEM Building Room 156

What to expect: Local employers and industry professionals will be at these events to speak with you about what it’s like to be in their profession and engage with you in career conversations. If you are currently looking for a job or internship related to STEM fields, you are encouraged to bring your resume to share with local employers. 

Learn more: https://www.clark.edu/enroll/careers/events/

Make connections on campus

• Advising Services: advising@clark.edu or (360) 992-2345 or GHL 108
• Career Services: careerservices@clark.edu or (360) 992-2902 or GHL 108
• Student Success Coaches: Schedule a session here

Photos: Clark College/Susan Parrish