The Office of Pre-College Programs (OPP) at Cal State San Bernardino celebrated a record-breaking turnout at its Career Day event with over 100 participants — the largest number of attendees to date. The milestone underscores the growing value of the event as a cornerstone of professional development for students and staff.

Since its inception four years ago, Career Day began with a clear mission: To help paraprofessionals and student staff transform their work experience into marketable career skills. While many of the part-time staff members gained valuable experience through their roles, they often faced challenges articulating those experiences on resumes or during interviews. This event has provided a dedicated platform to address those needs, empowering students to showcase their expertise and prepare for future career opportunities.

Career Day has grown over the years to include additional Pre-College Programs, such as College Corps, which partners with K-12 organizations and districts, as well as College Assistance Migrant Program scholars. The objective of the event is to ensure that students and paraprofessionals involved with the Office of Pre-College Programs can highlight the skills they’ve developed and present themselves as well-prepared candidates in any professional setting.

Hosted by the Office of Pre-College Programs, Career Day helps paraprofessionals and student staff transform their work experience into marketable career skills.
Hosted by the Office of Pre-College Programs, Career Day helps paraprofessionals and student staff transform their work experience into marketable career skills.

As Career Day has grown, so has its reputation. Initially, there were concerns about whether repeat participants would continue to find value in the event. However, the response has been overwhelmingly positive. Students and staff eagerly anticipate the event, with returning attendees encouraging newcomers to attend.

Some attendees have used Career Day as a networking opportunity. For example, College Corps fellows who have attended the event have connected with external partners and secured summer employment opportunities. Other participants have returned annually with specific goals, such as exploring graduate school options or refining their resumes.

This year, new workshops were conducted, giving attendees more options and the opportunity to tailor their experience. Some participants focused on workforce readiness, while others explored graduate school preparation. The workshops provided a variety of valuable insights and practical tools:

  • April Lane, graduate student resource specialist, hosted the “Preparing for Graduate School” workshop, which offered participants guidance on navigating life after graduation.
  • Bobbi Albano, Lacey Kendall, and Chastdei Kotsei from the Building Wealth Initiative led a financial literacy workshop, equipping attendees with essential money management skills.
  • Frances Tapper from Growing Inland Achievement, a regional K-16 collaborative focused on educational and economic equity in the Inland Empire, led the “What’s Next: Life After College” workshop, which provided strategies for transitioning to the next stage of life post-graduation.
  • Oscar Fonseca, career counselor, presented “Trends in the Job Market,” highlighting emerging career opportunities and industry shifts.
  • Melissa Bakeman, faculty director of CSUSB’s JHBC Professional Writing Center, provided personalized advice in a resume-building workshop, including tips for crafting stand-out resumes.

Mock interviews are a key component of the event, enriched by the participation of volunteers, including long-standing community partners who have supported OPP over the years. The volunteers provided an invaluable perspective, enhancing the experience for participants and offering insights that go beyond the academic setting.

This year, over 100 student staff and paraprofessionals attended the annual event.
This year, over 100 student staff and paraprofessionals attended the annual event.

Veronica Guzman, director of College Corps, was a key organizer of the event and reflected on its growing impact.

"Each year, there’s always the question of whether returning participants will still find value in Career Day. To our delight, the answer has been a resounding yes,” said Guzman. “Returning students and staff actively promote the event to newcomers, sharing how it’s helped them secure opportunities, network and grow professionally.

“Career Day has truly become an event that people eagerly anticipate each year. Witnessing this growing enthusiasm and the recognition of Career Day’s impact has been incredibly fulfilling,” she added.

The event organizers plan to further expand its offerings by adding more workshops, increasing volunteer participation, and potentially introducing a resource fair. As Career Day continues to evolve, its impact remains clear: It’s not just an event but a catalyst for student success, empowering attendees to take the next steps in their lives and career confidently.