By Lexus Yamashiro | Staff Writer
Scott Cook, a second-year student attending KCC, plans to major in Natural Science. (Photo by Lexus Yamashiro)
For second-year student Scott Cook, the thought of searching and applying for a job seemed troubling. He wanted to be able to find a job that would not interfere with school and, of course, to serve to his interests.
At first, Cook was researching information online of what jobs were available out there, and what he would need in order to apply for it. It was not long until he stumbled upon the Employment Prep Center (EPC) run by Dusty Bailey, the career and job placement coordinator.
The EPC focuses to assists students attending KCC with career preparation and employment services. Bailey offers help and services to anybody who is in need of assistance in applying for a job and preparing for the interview.
“Essentially, it’s our job to help [students] in their career and [to let them know] that they don’t have to apply blind,” Bailey said. “There are really good preparation things that you can do to make sure that you’re not denied the job you want.”
Bailey also explained that students can search online within the UH system for two types of jobs: on- and off-campus jobs. Students have access to SECE, an online database for on-campus jobs in all of the community colleges within the UH system. For off-campus jobs, students can access Job Center Online, which is another website that is connected with all of the UH community colleges.
After students have found a job or more to apply for, Bailey then takes the time to help students create resumes, cover letters, and even conducts mock interviews for student to practice before the real one approaches.
The EPC generally is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. from Mondays to Fridays. Student are able to make an appointment with Bailey for help.
Cook had applied by himself for two previous jobs before while attending school here at KCC. Lowe’s, being one of those jobs, required that Cook work full time and eight hours a day. Being that Cook was in school, he only could work the night shifts, which ran from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. or 6 a.m. the next morning. This conflicted with his classes, however, forcing him to quit and search for one that would suit his schedule.
After finding out about the EPC, Cook was determined to find a job that would be of his interests and not have to conflict with his school hours. Bailey was able to help Cook walk through the process of searching for a job, creating a detailed resume, and applying for it.
In Cook’s case, Bailey was able to set up two resumes: one that was basic for any job and another made for a specific job. It was not long until Cook was receiving calls from several places he had applied to.
For Cook, he recalls that finding a job was not much of a problem, but having to find one that would work with his school schedule was somewhat difficult. Overall, he found the process of searching and applying rather easy.
“Not only did [Dusty] help me find a job that suits my interest, but he also helped me understand the kind of education path I need to take for what I want to do,” Cook said. “He helped me understand basically the requirements, the amount of effort that I need versus the amount of skills that I have to have.”
Cook stated that working with Bailey made him feel confident and relieved that he would most likely find a job that would not conflict with his school schedule.
In the end, Cook got hired for an off-campus job with the help of Bailey. He works at a scuba dive shop, which he says he loves, just down Beretania Street.
“Definitely, definitely talk to Dusty,” Cook said. “There’s not a nicer guy that’s more knowledgeable in this subject. … As long as a job is open, he can find it [for you].”
For more information, contact the Employment Prep Center at gethired@hawaii.edu. Visit the EPC in ʻIliahi 112, conjoined office with the Veterans Club. To set up an appointment with Dusty Bailey, click here.
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