By Ulises Vargas

Job hunting 101 (Justin Henderson)

By Ulises Vargas

A remodeled Quad helped bring in a huge turn out at this year’s CareerFest.

More than 1,000 students came walking through the Quad during the three hour event.

In its second year, CareerFest brought career representatives from around the area to help students interact with organizations from many different businesses to see which career path suited them.

“It’s a one on one intervention with persons in your career path who can let you know about the business, gain financial help, and let you know how much education you will need to get on the right path” Clarissa Andrews said.

Andrews helped organize the event.

Many Riverside City College students took advantage of this event, which took place March 20.

Students were able to talk with organizations stretching from banking, military branches, cosmetology, state parks and culinary arts.

“It was a good event,” said Britanie Gibbens, RCC student. “I found out a lot of different opportunities that this campus has to offer.”

One of the most popular stops along the quad was RCC’s Cosmetology program, which received much attention with their free haircuts and trimmings.

“We had six students from our day and evening classes talk to their peers about our program. We also offered free haircuts and trimmings to help students see how our program works” said Cosmetology instructor Darlene Willie.

Support for this event came from everywhere around campus, but the help of Outreach program here at RCC stood out.

“It was a great turnout. We had someone fly from Argentina to talk about our program and the paramedics were really informative,” said Victoria Lopez from the Outreach program. Outreach helps promote higher education by going to grade schools to help kids get ready for college.

CareerFest helped open the door to not only RCC students, but the surrounding communities as well.

“We were open to RCC students and the community. Some local high schools showed up for our event,” Andrews said.

Students who took advantage of the event were thankful for all the options that were available.

“It was a very informative event,” said Eric Anaya, RCC student. “It was beneficial, and broadened your options in life.”

Andrews wanted to thank everyone involved in helping this event become a success.

“I couldn’t have done it without the support of our counseling staff, Outreach, and especially Mary Ryder and Eileen Cola-Pinto,” Andrews said.

Next year’s CareerFest is expected to be even bigger.