In the pandemic reassessment of work, the adage, “If you want something done, ask a busy person” lost much of its credence. Instead, “balance” is prized over “busy” and “peace” over “productivity.” But when it comes to “getting work-related things done,” schedule an appointment with Director Cristina Di Meo or any member of the talented Center for Career Preparation and Partnerships (CCPP) team. With a small staff of experts in career exploration, planning, and competency development, CCPP offers a far-reaching array of services that empower students to pursue a fulfilling professional path.
By clicking on “Grizzly Jobs” in Guttman’s Portal, students find Handshake, a career platform that connects them with personalized opportunities and prospective employers offering part-time jobs, internships and virtual job fairs, all interfacing with each student’s profile and the CCPP team. Students might pause in the Atrium for Career Drop-In Thursdays from 3:30-4:30pm, or schedule a one-to-one through Starfish with the Office’s new Career Peer Leaders Ahelia Watson and Bushra Rahman (a Guttman alum!). Guttman’s Career Road Maps provide a framework for each program of study that students can use to plan their time at Guttman and next steps for further education or the workplace. For students who have DACA, non-DACA or TPS status, CCPP offers the Undocuprofessionals tool to locate jobs, internships, scholarships, fellowships, mentors, and a supportive community. Students can update their resume, write a cover letter and LinkedIn profile, obtain professional interview attire and participate in career panels, networking, internship programs, and mock interviews. CCPP staff collaborate with the Division of Student Affairs on Conexiones and other career events, the Business Administration Program of Study on the JP Morgan Chase Associate Bankers Program, and the Office of AccessAbility to serve students with disabilities in their internships.
Guttman’s dynamic CCPP professionals also offer a host of ways students can earn valuable industry-recognized micro-credentials, such as:
- The Grow with Google HSI Career Readiness Program certificates, sponsored by the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities. Students learn high-demand digital skills using Google tools to research jobs, manage calendars, run efficient meetings and on-point presentations, and start their own businesses.
- America Needs You (ANY), a national program that fights for economic mobility for first-generation college-goers by providing mentorship and intensive career development boasts numerous Guttman ANY Fellows, such as Joksan Moran. Taking what he is learning as a Fellow, the final semester sophomore Information Technology major secured a competitive internship with Guttman’s Helpdesk. “I’m paired with a professional mentor for career coaching and becoming more resourceful about networking,” says Moran. ANY! also hosts FirstGenU, a no-cost, no pressure virtual e-learning certificate program that gives first-generation college students access to five self-paced courses that cover topics like building a network, preparing applications, and interview skills that help them land an internship or first job.
- Guttman’s Digital Badges represent 9 different Experiential Learning Opportunities and can be attached to students’ LinkedIn profiles to attract prospective employers. At Guttman, badges demonstrate skills mastered in Guttman Learning Outcomes and National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) Career Readiness Competencies through curricular and co-curricular learning. Students earn badges by documenting their high-quality fieldwork, research, leadership, civic engagement and other applied learning experiences.
With the generous funding of the Carol and Milton Petrie Foundation we were able to build out Internship support with two new full-time positions to manage and coordinate internships at the college. Bolstering our careers across the curriculum is critical for student success, stated Provost Nicola Blake.
With a goal of expansion, under Di Meo’s leadership and through collaborations across campus and CUNY, CCPP is planning to engage industry representatives in innovative partnership development crucial to students’ attainment of meaningful and financially sustainable careers advancing NYC economic growth.
Meet the CCPP Team
