VALPARAISO, Ind. – Ivy Tech Community College will host a grand opening for the new Career Coaching and Employer Connections (CCEC) program on Sept. 21 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. CST. The event will be streamed statewide through the IvyEvents app while all 19 campuses host an in-person celebration.
The Valparaiso campus will host a VIP event in the 3100 Ivy Tech Dr. campus auditorium starting at 10:30 a.m. that will lead directly into the statewide presentation. Lunch will be provided free of charge.
Ivy Tech developed the program, which brings together career development and employer outreach, to meet the needs of the workforce. With the students foremost in mind, it creates a cohesive model for student and employer engagement. This new, more strategic approach will emphasize comprehensive career readiness practices working alongside academic preparation throughout a student’s college experience.
For students, the Career Coaching and Employer Connections program will provide the opportunity for:
- Creation of a Career Development Portfolio: students will showcase why an employer should hire them and will include a resume, cover letter, LinkedIn profile, work-and-learn experiences, and the professional network and connections they have built with support from their CCEC team.
- Career Coaching: focused, one-to-one relationship to help the student figure out the right steps for their career path that match their values, interests, personality, and skills.
- Work-and-learn: opportunity to build relationships with employers and gain direct experience in careers that interest the student, such as working alongside professionals in a tech company, or assisting on a human resources team in a healthcare organization.
The CCEC program also benefits employers by helping them find top talent for their workforce needs and skill-up current employees with custom training. By closely aligning the student experience and employer needs, the CCEC program will meet the specific skills and training needs of employers in Indiana and neighboring states.
“Ivy Tech has reimagined what career development can be with this new initiative: Career Coaching and Employer Connections,” said Patti Shields, Ivy Tech Valparaiso’s CCEC executive director. “This innovative approach in a student's career development journey provides Career Coaches to assist students in creating a Career Development Portfolio, a key tool in aligning students with their career path. CCEC also bridges that gap between students and employers with Talent Connection Managers and Employer Consultants who are working with community employers to get internship and career opportunities in front of Ivy Tech students. We also conduct a needs analysis with employers to understand how the college can be a talent pipeline and connect employers to college resources. CCEC looks to build strong relationships with both students and employers to meet our state's talent needs.”
Ivy Tech Valparaiso Chancellor Aco Sikoski said he was also very pleased that CCEC will be able to offer work-and-learn experiences to get students acquainted with the professional world while they earn their college credentials.
“I am very pleased that the college has recognized the gap between the students and the employer connections, and having established this department will minimize if not close this gap,” said Sikoski. “Here at the Valparaiso/Michigan City campus, I believe the CCEC, under Patti’s leadership, will exceed the expectations.”
Students and employers can connect with the Valparaiso CCEC by calling (219) 476-4775 or by emailing Executive Director Patti Shields at pshields13@ivytech.edu.
About Ivy Tech Community College
Ivy Tech Community College is Indiana’s largest public postsecondary institution and the nation’s largest singly accredited statewide community college system, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana and also serves thousands of students annually online. It serves as the state’s engine of workforce development, offering associate degree and short-term certificate programs, and training that aligns with the needs of the community. The College also offers courses and associate degree programs that seamlessly transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana, as well as out of state, for a more affordable route to a Bachelor’s degree.
