The largest employment sector in the Central Valley is also one of the largest for new job growth ... retail and hospitality.
Bakersfield College representatives came to ROC to let students know of not only the professional career opportunities within these fields, but also to inform students of BC's Retail Management Certificate that can be earned in as little as one year.
Students learned that although retail and hospitality jobs may start near minimum wage, that is only for entry-level positions. As workers show drive and talent, the career opportunities and earning potential is on par with many other professions.
The 2 1/2 hour symposium provided a bevy of information to students, including a pathway overview by Shelley Attix, DSN for Retail-Hospitality-Tourism, a personal invitation and great information from BC faculty Mike Ivey (Business Administration) and Alex Gomez (Culinary Arts), a panel consisting of current BC students, and a brief discussion of labor market trends from BC Job Development Specialists Lupe Aguirre and Beth Harrison.
Perhaps most enlightening was employer panel where current retail managers spoke of the many opportunities within their industry, as well as their personal career path.
ROC students were also treated to lunch and given a BC gift pack, but most of all they were given information which could lead them to a college degree and a promising career.