Career Services for Students and Alumni

Overview

The Office of Career Development and Experiential Learning Services assists students and alumni of Central Ohio Technical College with individualized career planning and consultation with job search strategies, labor market information, assistance in preparing quality resumes and cover letters, help in developing effective interviewing skills, information on employers’ expectations, and career assessment for undecided students.

Appointments

Appointments are encouraged. Virtual service can be provided via Microsoft Teams, phone or email. For accessibility needs please notify the office 48 hours in advance.

Contact:
Gary Swisher
Manger, Career Development and Experiential Learning Services
Email: swisher.225@mail.cotc.edu
Phone: 740.364.7708

Location: 
John L. and Christine Warner Library and Student Center
Office of Student Life, room 226
1219 University Drive
Newark, OH 43055

Hours: 
Monday–Friday: 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

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Career Exploration and Choosing a Program of Study

No matter where you are in your career development, you need information about yourself and about the world of work in order to make informed decisions. A variety of resources to assist you in your exploration process are provided.

Focus 2 Career Assessment​

FOCUS 2 is a self-paced, online career and education planning tool for college students. It will enable you to self-assess your career-relevant personal qualities and explore career fields and areas of study that are most compatible with your assessment results.

FOCUS 2 Provides:

  • ​Career assessments
  • Occupational information
  • Videos about various career fields​
  • Career planning tools
  • Career options by education level
  • Side-by-side occupational comparisons

To optimize your use of FOCUS 2, be sure to:

  1. ​Complete the self-assessment section within the program.
  2. Schedule an appointment with the Office of Career Development to review your results.

Remember, choosing a program of study and career path is your own responsibility and no assessment or career advisor can make these difficult decisions for you. However, FOCUS 2 is a great place to start, and the Office of Career Development is here to help you weigh your options.

Get Started with FOCUS 2

Returning users: Log in using the account you have already created.​

First-time users: Create a new account. Use the following access when prompted: COTC. Choose a username and password for future use. Be sure to remember your personal username and password as the Office of Career Development will not have it on file.

What Can I Do With This Major​

Whether you are exploring majors or looking for more information about your chosen field of study, “What Can I Do With This Major?” is a valuable tool designed to help you connect your major and interests to career paths. This resource details the typical industries, career areas, and employers associated with each major and covers strategies aimed at making you a more marketable candidate after graduation. 

What Can I Do With This Major? is produced by the University of Tennessee’s Center for Career Development.

What Can I Do With This Major​

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Experiential Learning

Experiential learning involves the attainment of professional experience through a variety of means. Formalized methods may include internships, fieldwork, practicum, clinical experiences and service-learning. Such experiences may be based within an academic program and credit-bearing, while others may be a result of a your interest in professional development. Experiential learning also includes informal approaches such as job shadowing, volunteerism, campus leadership and other cocurricular opportunities.

Employers are looking for new employees who have knowledge, skills and experience related to the field. Students must be able to demonstrate the application of these abilities and posses the “soft skills” that all organizations are seeking. Participating in one or multiple experiential learning experiences while in college will help you reach your professional goals.

Experiential learning quick links:

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Goodwill Clothing Vouchers

Need help purchasing professional attire for job interviews, career fairs or internships? COTC has partnered with Licking/Knox Goodwill Industries to provide vouchers redeemable at any of the 10 Goodwill stores in Licking or Knox County.

Contact Amanda Waser at waser.5@mail.cotc.edu for information.