Free career advice arrives close to home
September 11, 2008
By Laura Geggel
Kristina Szilak, career services and scholarship specialist for Bellevue Community College, is working at the new BCC office in Snoqualmie. Photo by Laura Geggel
Ever since Bellevue Community College opened a satellite career resource center in Snoqualmie in March, Kristina Szilak has encouraged high-school dropouts, college students, homemakers and job seekers to stop by her office for career advice and tips.Spread across her desk are brochures that list workshops designed to teach skills like cover-letter and résumé writing, interviewing practice and salary negotiation.
For people down on their luck — and their money — Szilak can refer them to a BCC program offering free tuition and books.
“We currently have between 650 to 700 students enrolled in our Workforce Education programs,” Szilak said.
She said she hopes her new location will help more people in the Valley.
A North Bend resident, Szilak used to work full time at the North BCC campus until the college opened the satellite location. She now spends every Friday in her Snoqualmie office at 8130 Railroad Ave. This office was loaned to BCC for free by the Snoqualmie Tribe. Beginning Oct. 9, Szilak plans to be available at the North Bend Library for free drop-in and scheduled appointments from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
She offers her office as a starting point for people with questions on their mind.
“People come in and say, ‘I’m wanting to change my direction’ or ‘I started building on a career and I don’t know how to get to the next level’ or ‘I’m completely searching for a new job, could you look at my résumé?’
“We’re sometimes a place to say, ‘I don’t know what to do next,’” Szilak said.
For college students and graduates, Szilak advised they use BCC to find an internship program that will provide them with networking opportunities, portfolio materials and letters of recommendation.
“A lot of business owners are saying at this point that they don’t want to hire recent grads unless they have relevant work experience,” Szilak said.
For the more experienced, Szilak said it’s good to know what you’re worth.
“Whether you’re currently facing being laid off or if you’re stable in your jobs, you need to be doing ongoing labor market research; look at job openings and seeing what the salary range is that they’re offering.”
She also suggested checking average salaries on www.wois.org and http://salary.com.
Through the BBC Women’s Center, Szilak can also offer resource referrals.
“They’ll come in and say, ‘I’m needing to know where the nearest food bank is,’” said Szilak. “We can help them provide a referral or give them a voucher and tell them where to go.”
Szilak said she plans to coordinate with the career center at Mount Si High School. The school’s career specialist, Amy Anderson, provides career advice to Mount Si families.
“The High School Career Center is a resource for our students and parents regarding all of the choices a student has once they leave Mount Si High School, be it college bound, either four-year, technical or community college, military, work, and apprenticeships,” said Anderson.
She said the BCC office could provide a much-needed resource for the Valley and also her students.
“I think it’s great,” Anderson said. “I’m looking forward to planning a partnership with this BCC office.”
To call or make a free appointment with Szilak, call the main line at 564-2279. For direct contact, Szilak can be reached at 564-3102 or kszilak@bellevuecollege.edu.
Reach reporter Laura Geggel at 392-6434 .221 or lgeggel@snovalleystar.com.
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