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College and Career Connection PDF Print E-mail
Career and College Services

Career and College Services


The Office of College and Career Connection assists in employment and college placement activities. Career advisors assist both current and former REOC students. College Outreach advisors assist both current and former REOC students and community members.

REOC students are provided individualized advisement to help ensure success in obtaining and keeping a job. Job search assistance is provided.

The professional staff provides information and assistance with college admission procedures, financial aid programs, college survival skills and college preparedness. Staff also coordinate the SAT Preparation Program and Pre-College Institute for college-bound students as well as the areas below:

  1. Resume, Cover Letter, Application and Portfolio Assistance
    We have state of the art computers, and the latest software for resume building.
  2. Employment Listings and Job Placement Referrals
    Current job listings can be found in our job book, employment bulletin board, and employment periodicals located in our office.
  3. Career Counseling
    Our Employment Counselors are prepared to assist you with making career choices that are right for you through individual career counseling.
  4. Workforce Preparation Enhancements
    We will assist you with group, and individual enhancements in interview skill training, soft skills application, any and all other skills you would need that will better prepare you for employment.
  5. Career Workshops and Career Fairs
    Career workshops and Job Fairs are sponsored by our office throughout the school year. We also keep you abreast of all the area Job Fairs as they occur.
  6. College Fair
    Our Annual College Fair hosts over 85 colleges from both inside and outside New York State. Representatives are on hand to answer all administrative and program related questions. Financial Aid workshops are offered. Free and open to the public.

SUNY OUTREACH

SUNY (State University of New York) Educational Outreach was initiated by the Educational Opportunity Centers to provide urban area residents an opportunity to explore their college options. Since its inception in 1986, the office has offered assistance, advocacy and referrals to over 12,000 potential college students.

Services

  1. SAT Prep
    Juniors and Seniors in high school can take the SAT Preparation class free of charge at the Rochester Educational Opportunity Center. Students who have participated in the program have increased their SAT scores on an average of 80 points. Classes are approximately six weeks in length and meet Monday and Wednesday.
  2. College Advisement
    Many students have no idea where to start as they begin to think about college. Outreach staff is available to assist students in exploring college options for their freshmen year. Should you need assistance in filling out College, Educational Opportunity
  3. Financial Aid
    Many students and parents get frustrated over the financial aid process. Overcome by one hurdle; the college application process they face the most frightening obstacle in going to college; Financial Aid! Financial aid doesn't have to be all that complicated. There are many resources out there to help you. The most important resource is the college itself. Every college has a Financial Aid office with experienced professionals that are available to answer your questions. Remember it is their job to see that each student can afford to go to their college.
  4. Scholarships
    Scholarships don't have to be paid back! This money is given to you to offset the cost of a college education. There are many places to look to see if you are eligible for a scholarship. Check Fastweb Free Scholarships for more information.
  5. Grants
    Grants do not have to be repaid either. Everyone is encouraged to fill out the Free Application for Financial Aid Application. This application is required by most colleges to determine what financial aid you would be eligible for. FAFSA on the web New York State TAP
  6. Loans

    1. Subsidized Federal Stafford LoanPayment of principal and interest begins 6 months after the day you graduate or are enrolled less than half time. Repayment should be completed within 10 years, depending on the amount borrowed. However, extended payment plans, graduated repayment and deferments are available through you lender or loan servicer. Interest rate changes every year, but will never be more than 8.25%.
    2. Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan You are responsible for interest from the time you receive your first unsubsidized loan funds. Payment of both principal and interest begins 6 months after the plans and deferments are available. Interest rate changes every year, but will never be more than 8.25%.
    3. Federal PLUS LoansThe interest rate changes every July 1, but will never be more than 9%. Interest begins to accrue from the time the loan is fully disbursed. Repayment of the amount borrowed plus interest generally begins within 60days after the full amount of the loan is disbursed. Deferments are available to eligible borrowers through your lender or loan servicer.

FAQ's:

Q: What do we do?

A: Our primary goal is to assist students with securing suitable and gainful employment in their chosen field of study within the Greater Rochester Community. Advisors also network with various employer’s that coincide with SUNY REOC’s Vocational programs.

Q: How do I find a job?

A: Let Career Services make your job hunt easier. Advisors offer support, guidance and quality business resources in assisting students with locating the right job match. Various strategies are utilized in promoting student success, such as effective networking through business partnerships, by direct contact of an advisor to the employer, by going online, through registering with Rochester Works, by job fair announcements/flyers, and by local job postings to name a few.

Q: How do I find a better job?

A: By connecting with a Career Services Advisor and developing a Personalized Employment Action /Job Search Plan, thus targeting specific employers for job search. Work closely with an advisor to facilitate the seamless process of locating the right job for you.

Q: How do I build on my job skills?

A: By allowing a Career Services Advisor to help you assess yourself. An informal tool such as a Career Interest Inventory may help you evaluate and clarify your career interests and identify available options, thus leading to skill acquisition.

Q: What do I need to do to be an effective job seeker?

A: One option is to see a Career Services representative to develop a Career Portfolio which will recognize your Strengths, Career Vocabulary, and identify an "employer friendly" resume which displays your Job- Related, Transferable and Self-management/Fitting-in skills. There are other options to explore as well.

Q: When job searching do I have legal rights?

A: The Career Services office will prepare you with questions that an employer may ask and may not ask during the interview process. Learn the facts!

Q: I feel I’ve been discriminated against, what can I do?

A: Contact Rochester’s office of Human Rights and be prepared to explain your particular situation.

Q: I have had a misdemeanor, conviction, felony, criminal/arrest record, jail or prison time, what should I do?

A: Set-up an appointment with a Career Services Advisor and check out your options. Be prepared to answer questions honestly and in good faith so an advisor can connect you to the right service professional, such as MCLAC (Monroe County Legal Assistance Center).

Q: Does an employer have the legal right to ask whether a person has been convicted of a crime?

A: The answer is yes, and a job seeker has one Honest option to follow on the job application and that is to check off the yes box and write "Will discuss in full detail at the time of interview".

Q: How do I go about answering Interview Questions when you have a Criminal Record?

A: See a Career Services Advisor to develop good answers to questions.

Q: What Services Do You Offer?

A: We assist students with the college application process. This includes the college search process, applications to college and applying for financial aid.

Q: Are my grades good enough to get into college?

A: Don’t give up before you start. We advise you in finding a college that is right for you. There are colleges out there that don’t require a 4.0 average.

Q: Will I be eligible for Financial Aid?

A: You need to apply for financial aid before the college can determine if you are eligible for any. Remember there are all types of financial aid. Aid includes, grants, scholarships, loans and campus work study.

 

Please call ahead for an appointment: 232-2730 ext. 273.

 

 

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