From student to career professional

Between classes and campus activities, there is one place that Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC) student Ashley Vega, '26, who is studying cinema and media arts production, makes sure to stop by: GGC's Career Services.

Ashley Vega smiles warmly as she picks out slacks at Georgia Gwinnett College's Career Services on Wednesday, April 2, 2025. The Career Services at GGC aid students in creating resumes, preparing for interviews, taking headshots and selecting professional clothing. Photo by Daniel Melograna/Georgia Gwinnett College.

"Career Services has been an incredible resource for me," she said.

Dr. Roslyn Brown, director of Career Services, said that it's a one-stop place for students to prepare for life after graduation.

"We are one of the few such departments that truly provides career counseling and coaching, along with career advising."

GGC's Career Services also offers career coaching and development workshops, a career resource library, and The Merri M. Brantley Professional Attire Closet, where students can borrow career-ready attire.

"They supported me with access to business attire, ensuring I was prepared and polished for professional events," Vega said.

Students like Vega can take advantage of the many services offered, including graduate and professional school assistance.

"We help students who plan to attend graduate school with preparation for taking standardized entry tests, like the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT), the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) and Occupational Therapy/Physical Therapy (OT/PT) shadowing," said Brown.

With the array of available services, students can set one-on-one appointments for graduate school assistance/career counseling, attend career fairs and career development workshops, and stop by for quick questions.

Students can also get assistance with their resumes and cover letters. There is even a photo booth where students can obtain professional portraits.

"They provided me with high quality headshots that are perfect for my networking profiles and portfolio," Vega said. "And I was also able to easily schedule an appointment to have my resume reviewed."

"We encourage students to start taking advantage of all that we offer early in their educational journey and not wait until they're seniors and about to graduate," said Brown.

Ultimately, GGC Career Services wants students to achieve success, with one caveat.

"We talk to a lot of students, and many times, their parents, and remind them that we are not a job placement center," she said. "We provide the resources to help students get job interviews. That's our goal."

Brown added that along with coaching students on what to do, she also guides them in what not to do. That includes not being late for an interview and not having an outdated LinkedIn account.

"We offer mock interviews to help students gain confidence in how they present themselves and communicate professionally with potential employers," she said.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employers are looking for soft skills like adaptability, oral and written communication, problem solving, critical thinking, leadership and people skills.

Brown added that even after graduation, GGC alumni have access to the college's job database.

"We encourage employers to list their job openings in our database so that students and alumni have yet another resource at their fingertips," she said. "Looking for a job is a job, and we want to provide as many resources as possible."

For Vega, Career Services has helped her prepare for life after graduation.

"Take advantage of the services and courses that Career Services provides while you can," she said. "It will definitely take you into the right direction towards your career goals."

View and download Career Services gallery photos.