Student Employment Lab Celebrates Five Year Anniversary

Tuesday, October 10, 2023

Bakersfield College held a celebratory event in recognition of the five year anniversary of the Student Employment Lab in FACE 11 on October 9th.

The original Student Employment Lab was located in FACE 9 and was established based on a need to provide students with additional career-related support. However, in 2018 BC developed a new and improved version of the original.

The lab is part of the Career Education department which prepares students for a wide range of high-wage, high skill, and high-demand careers. In addition, being an on-campus employee has many benefits. According to Stephanie Baltazar, Program Director for Career Education & Student Employment, Bakersfield College Student Employees are 5.75% more successful, have +.4 better term GPA overall, attempt more units, earn more units, and have a +.44 better cumulative GPA.

The main goal of the Student Employment Lab is to be the bridge between students and a suitable career or a temporary position that will allow them to gain experience and skills that will prepare them for future endeavors.

Students and alumni can freely access employment resources, conduct web-based job searches, and develop resumes. In addition, resources like hygiene products, paper, pencils, and other items are available from donations that students can take freely.

While the outside may have changed, many employees remain. A few staff members have been promoted within the department or throughout Bakersfield College. Gracie Magallanes, originally a student employee worked in various departments and is now a Job Development Specialist. Freddie Rodriguez, a former Job Development Specialist is now an Educational Advisor. Carlos Medina, originally a Job Development Specialist is Program Manager for the Industrial Automation Program. Domenica Trinidad, who started as a Job Development Specialist as well is now the Program Manager for Strong Workforce. Finally, former Educational Advisor Juan Manzano has recently joined the Business faculty.

As Bakersfield College continues to see a surge in student enrollment, they foresee an expansion of the number of students utilizing the services provided at the Student Employment Lab. For students and alumni interested in reaching out, you can visit them in FACE 11 or contact them at (661) 395-4550.