Whether you are looking for a part-time local opportunity, or a full-time job related to your degree, the Career Resource Center has multiple resources to help you throughout your journey.

Job search is a process that can take shape in any number of ways. While at times it may take little time to land an opportunity, other times it may take much longer. Regardless, the steps are often similar; preparing your employment documents, utilizing online search tools, maximizing your network, preparing for the interview, and successfully navigating the world of work on an ongoing basis.

One key piece to not forget is balance. Stay focused, yet balanced as you work through your job search. Find time to do the things that you enjoy while using targeted energy for open positions and networking. Be flexible and remember that it only takes one employer to see your value.

Handshake is our campus-wide student career system: find on and off campus jobs, connect with employers, find recruiting events, find alumni and more.
 

A resume is your opportunity to quickly convey your value, knowledge, skills, and accomplishments to an employer in a targeted way that speaks directly to the needs of the open position. 

  • Review our Resume Guide to get tips on how to start your first resume.
  • Utilize the Resume Builder in Career Coach to work with an easy-to-use resume template, especially if you are drafting your resume for the first time.
  • Download this helpful list of Action Verbs to make your resume stand out.
  • Review our Cover Letter Guide to draft a document that will help convey why you are a good fit for your targeted role and/or company.

While interviewing can be daunting at first, with a little practice, you can ace your next interview! Check out the resources below, which can help you prepare to articulate your value to any employer.

You will engage in networking and build relationships with professionals throughout the course of your career. Make sure to meet professionals and maintain a contact list that will assist you in your future job search endeavors.

  • Craft a 30-Second Introduction to practice pitching yourself to professionals, no matter what context you may make connections.
  • Once you’ve made a connection, ask professionals to have a Career Conversation, in which you can learn more about their career path and ask questions to learn more about their industry, company, or role.
  • Finally, sign up to participate in our various workshops and events, which includes many topics for learning how to network effectively!
     

The Cooperative Work Experience (CWE) program helps students achieve their educational and career goals through for-credit internships and jobs, both paid and unpaid. These work experiences must include training of new or enhanced skills and must be related to a specific program. CWE units are often transferable, but be sure to check with your counselor for details.

Every academic program handles CWE differently. You can contact your program or department Chair with any questions.

Description

The CWE course provides credit for hands-on experiences in your field of study. You may participate in basic to intermediate level opportunities to extend and apply your learning in a workplace environment. Students may enroll in a maximum of 8 units of cooperative work experience education per semester, for a lifetime maximum of 16 units. Students must work 75 paid hours or 60 non-paid hours per unit earned.

Learning Objectives

Students participating in this class will: 

  • Write measurable learning objectives specific to the workplace assignment.
  • Communicate ideas and express self with superiors and co-workers orally and in writing.
  • Apply learning about adapting to a new environment, company styles/culture, dress/grooming, habits for success, workplace interpersonal skills, teamwork, decision making and problem solving, and other soft skills included in course content to this workplace experience. 
  • Apply techniques and procedures learned in the educational environment to the work experience assignment.
  • Follow company policies and procedures for the workplace assignments.
  • Complete assigned tasks by following directions and using occasional independent judgment.
  • Prioritize assigned tasks and use independent judgment to meet deadlines.
  • Use guided decision-making to solve problems.


For more information, call (949) 582-4773.

At Saddleback College, we bridge the gap between academics and industry to prepare you for real-world success. Our Work-Based Experiential Learning Program offers the opportunity to gain practical experience, enhance your skills, and collaborate with top employers while advancing your education.

Why Join the Work-Based Experiential Learning Program?

Gain hands-on experience and prepare for the workforce through impactful projects, mentorship, and training.

As part of our commitment, Saddleback College offers paid opportunities for interns to gain experience in the following targeted program areas:

  • STEM Programs - Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
    • Advanced Manufacturing - Fundamentals of Industrial Automation and Electronics
    • Advanced Transportation and Automotive Technology - Electric Vehicle (EV) Technology
    • Computer Science and Computer Information Management (CIM) - Software Development
    • Artificial Intelligence
    • Cybersecurity.
    • Construction and Architecture
  • Develop networks with professionals and organizations committed to shaping future talent.
  • Bring fresh perspectives, creativity, and problem-solving skills to meaningful projects, while developing competencies employers value.

Your Journey Starts Here

Discover how work-based experiential learning can enrich your academic journey and connect you to career-defining opportunities. Employers in the program are committed to investing in your future and advancing local industries.

Ready to Empower Your Future?

Visit the Saddleback College Economic and Workforce Development page or contact Rita Soultanian, Ed.D., Director, Career Resource Center, at rsoultanian@saddleback.edu or call (949) 348-6245 to get started.