Career Center

1. How do I contact the Career Center? Email [email protected], call (619) 388-3722, or text (619) 500-2842. Visit us in Room A-301, Monday-Thursday 8am-6pm, Friday 8am-1pm. 

2. How do I activate my Handshake account? Handshake is SDCCD's career platform for jobs, internships, Federal Work-Study positions, career events, and employer connections.  

• Go to sdccd.joinhandshake.com/login and sign in with your student email.  
• Once in, complete your profile - the more complete it is, the better Handshake can match you with relevant opportunities (jobs, FWS, employers, and more).  

If you're stuck in a confirmation code loop, contact or visit the Career Center for help.  

3. What's the difference between a resume and a cover letter? A resume is a summary of your experience, education, and skills. A cover letter is a one-page letter for a specific job that explains why you're a good fit for the role. 

4. What should be on my resume? Your current position or volunteer experience and an up-to-date skills section. Keep it to 1-2 pages, in reverse-chronological order, and tailored to the type of role you're going for. A strong resume: 

• Your name as if appears on your state ID, middle name not needed 

• Has up-to-date contact info, including a customized LinkedIn URL 

• Use a professional email address 

• Skips your full address - city and state is enough 

• Is tailored to the types of roles you're targeting 

• Has a skills section covering technical, transferable, and soft skills relevant to the position 

• Features your most applicable and transferable experience 

• Highlights your achievements and accomplishments, not just duties 

• Is easy to read and keyword-optimized for the industry and role you're targeting (job titles for the same role vary by company, so match the language in the actual job posting) 

• Starts each bullet with an action word (manage, develop, cultivate, drive, establish, implement) 

• Is free of spelling/grammar errors and fully accurate 

Before you dive in, think through your goals first: what level of responsibility you can take on, whether there's room to grow, and whether the pay and benefits fit your needs.  

5. I have no work experience - what do I put on my resume? School projects, volunteer work, clubs, and leadership roles all count. Staff can help you translate that experience into resume language. 

6. Do I need a cover letter for every application? Not always required, but it's a strong idea when you can tailor it to the specific employer and role - it shows you did the work to understand the job. 

7. How do I build a good LinkedIn profile? A strong LinkedIn profile builds your professional credibility and helps you get noticed. Checklist: 

• Professional profile photo with a simple background (a smartphone photo is fine) 

• An engaging headline - not just your job title (e.g. "Enterprise Sales Account Executive Specializing in Marketing Automation" instead of just "Sales Executive") 

• An engaging summary covering your long-term goals, interests, and values 

• Up-to-date info, including your most recent work history 

• Highlights your career achievements and accomplishments 

• Tailored to your industry using keyword optimization (Career Center resume help can assist with this too) 

• Includes education and professional certifications 

• Regularly updated, monitored, and active - check in about once a week 

Career Center Staff can help you set one up or review it during hours of operation.  

8. How do I network while job searching? Don't underestimate it - talk to friends, family, professors, campus organizations, former colleagues, and professional connections. It's often just as important as applying directly. 

9. How do I apply for Federal Work-Study (FWS)? 

1. Complete the Fall 2026 FWS Interest Form - required before you can be matched to a position: tinyurl.com/FWS2627.  
2. Activate your Handshake account with your student email: sdccd.joinhandshake.com/login.
3. Browse the FWS Jobs Collection on Handshake for openings at City College and San Diego College of Continuing Education: tinyurl.com/cityfws.
4. Apply directly on Handshake, upload your resume and any other requested documents.
5. Check Handshake and your student email regularly - a supervisor will contact you directly if interested.  

10. Where do I find internships and fellowships? Check Handshake first, then the Career Center for websites that list current openings and opportunities. 

11. Is the CYLC Immigration Fellowship application open? Yes! Applications opened September 9, 2026. Fellows can earn up to $10,000 in stipends + $5,000 in scholarships while gaining paid experience with an immigration legal services organization. Open to all majors; applicants must not graduate before November 2027. 

Learn more & apply: sandiegocitycollegecylcfellowship.my.canva.site 

12. I have a criminal record - how do I handle that on applications, and are there resources for me? You can still build a strong, skills-based resume - come in, and a staff member can walk you through how to frame your experience.  

• You may also qualify for City Scholars, our campus program supporting justice-impacted students with academic, social, and emotional support. For job search support.  

• The San Diego Workforce Partnership's Reentry Works program offers coaching, workshops, and job fairs specifically for justice-impacted individuals. 

13. Do I need a resume before I can meet with Job Placement Coordinator? Yes. Come into the office first to get help building or updating your resume - staff or our AI resume assistant, Brenda, can help - before booking an appointment. 

14. How do I prepare for a job interview? Come in for a mock interview and review of common questions, including behavioral questions using the STAR method - situation, task, action, result. 

15. What if I don't have anything to wear to my interview? Come to the career center and check out our career closet. We have shirts, blouses, blazers, pants, skirts, and dresses.