The Career Resource Center offers students the Discover computer test and two paper and pencil tests, which can help narrow a student's area of study. Students must make an appointment for the Discover test, which takes about an hour and is free of charge.

"We welcome students to take advantage of this service," said Cynthia Mendiola-Perez, Counselor/Coordinator of the Career Resource Center. "Students will get printed information on a number of careers after taking the Discover test. In addition to that, counseling on the print-out is offered at the student's request."

Along with these tests, the Career Resource Center offers students job listings, pamphlets on certain careers, a video library and on- and off-campus job placement.

Tips on how to get through an interview, help on how to write a resume and how to post a resume on the Internet are offered as well.

The Career Resource Center's hours are 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Monday through Thursday and from 8 a.m. to 12 a.m. on Friday. No appointments for the Discover test are made for Fridays; however, the Center's staff is flexible.

"When we have a student that can only come in on Friday afternoon, we make exceptions," said Lydia Ortega, Senior Job Placement Specialist. "We are here to serve the students. There have been times where some of us have been here beyond 6:30 p.m. for students, so we do make exceptions."

This schedule gives students ample time to research their future careers and to see what area their skills are best suited for. Many students are not aware of the resources that the Career Resource has available.

"I really wasn't aware that the Career Resource Center existed. I had no idea it was there," said Vanessa Zepeda, sophomore. "Now that I am aware of it, I am really interested in going."

Anthony Hancock, who is a Job Development Specialist, focuses on the Occupational and Technical students. Students who are interested in Agribusiness Operations Technology, Aviation Management, Computer Information Systems and the like should make an appointment to see Hancock on Monday, Wednesday, or Thursday. However, he said he will see any students, including walk-ins.

"We live in the '90s, and there is a competitive nature because of the low unemployment rate, so I try to provide students with a new vehicle for their skills," said Hancock. "I just try to give them the tools to be successful and offer them new information."

The Career Resource Center hopes to hold a Career Fair, like San Antonio College and the University Placement Association Fair, in the Spring. Hancock would like to hold an Occupational and Technical job fair sometime in March.

If you would like more information on the Career Resource Center or to make an appointment, call 921-5114 or go to Room 119 in the EL building, right across from the Faculty office building. Students can also visit the Career Resource Center's new web page by going to Palo Alto's homepage and clicking on Student Services.