MCCC’s Career Center Earns LGBTQ Certification

Montgomery County Community College’s Career Center recently received a Bronze-Level Certification by OUT for Work’s Career Center Certification Program for developing career resources specially designed for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and Questioning (LGBTQ) students.

To attain the certification, the college first recognized the need for the resources and then made them accessible to students, according to Kate Shirey, Perkins Career Coach at the West Campus in Pottstown.

“Students in the LGBTQ community face a unique set of challenges during the job search process,” she said in a July 24 press release. “For many, it becomes vital to decide if and how they want to come out during the job search process. That decision affects how the student will market his or her skills and experience via the resume, interviews and while networking. There are also resources available identifying workplaces with accepting environments.”

This information is available to students and alumni through the website portal, MyMC3, the link for which is on the front page of the college’s website, www.mc3.edu. After entering the required name and password, students and alumni can find career resources by clicking on “College Services” and then “Career Services.”

With the Bronze Certification, students and alumni also can access and utilize the OUT for Work (OFW) resources located on the portal. OFW is a non-profit organization that offers programs, services and other assistance to LGBTQ students, as well as staff training and webinars.

“There are laws protecting students with disabilities, minorities, and women, but in many places, there are no law protecting the rights of LGBTQ students,” Shirey said. “These resources provide tools and information for students as they leave college and enter the work world.”

Additionally, Shirey is developing resources to assist students with other needs, such as international students, students with disabilities, veterans, and students with criminal backgrounds. 

Shirey is available to meet with students and alumni Monday through Thursday, from 8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Tuesday evenings until 7 p.m. To make an appointment, call 610-718-1998 or email kshirey@mc3.edu. 

Visit the Career Services Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Mc3CareerServices for daily tips and career information.

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Information courtesy of Alana Mauger/Montgomery County Community College