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Maida Kamber Center

Maida Kamber Center
“For Your Career and Transfer Needs”

Mission Statement
Career Assessment
Career Exploration
Career Counseling
Career Tools
Transfer Information & Advising

Mission Statement

The Maida Kamber Center is dedicated to providing comprehensive, quality,
career development and transfer services. We seek to help students prepare
for and meet their career and transfer goals. We offer career counseling
and resources to assist with examining personal and professional strengths and values. Our services are also targeted toward helping students explore information and avenues to various occupations through computerized career assessments and self-directed searches.

When visiting the Maida Kamber Center you will find many ways to explore occupations of interest to you. We recommend this three-step process for your career and transfer needs:

1. Assessment- in this phase you examine your interests, skills, values,
   your personality, and goals.
   
2. Exploration- you can explore and research your career and transfer interests through information on how to participate in Job Shadowing, Internship/Co-operative Education, Career/Job Fairs, Service-Learning, Volunteer Work, Part-time Jobs. The Job Placement Office can assist you with actual placement in these activities.
   
3. Placement- during this phase, you receive assistance with the selection of and transfer to 4-year colleges or Universities, Professional or Technical Schools.
   
   

In addition, The Maida Kamber Center offers Career Workshops that are designed to help you in your career decision-making process. If you are considering a change in major or are undecided about a career goal, you are encouraged to attend these workshops. To register for workshops, please call 808-734-9500.

For more information contact:
Gemma A. Williams, EdD
Location: Ilima 104
Hours: 9 am to 4:30 pm
Telephone: (808) 734-9500
E-mail: gemmaw@hawaii.edu

Career Assessment

Do you know what your interests are?
Do you know what strong skills you possess?
Do you know what is important in your life?

Career assessment allows you to answer these questions as you investigate and evaluate careers. The Maida Kamber Center has a number of interest and personality inventories to aid you in understanding yourself.

CAREER KOKUA

This is a comprehensive career system that provides interest, personality, and skills assessment. It also provides information on Hawaii’s occupations, industries, education and training programs, local schools, and the job market. The goal of Career Kokua is to have a positive effect on individuals’ career decision-making process. Students should log on at www.careerkokua.org
User name: “kapiolanicc1”
Password: “tuxer7tr”.

FOCUS II

Go to: http://focuscareer.com/

This is a computerized career assessment instrument that allows you to assess your interests, values, and skills; explore and analyze occupations based on your interests, values, and personality type. It also provides information on over 568 careers and national job market information. To register to use the system on-line, visit the MKC, in Ilima 104, and you will receive a username and password. Once you have registered, you may use the system anywhere, anytime.

MBTI

Go to: http://www.knowyourtype.com/

The Myers/Briggs Type Indicator is a personality inventory. It is available in KCC’s bookstore. Please see a counselor prior to purchasing.

SDS

Go to: http://self-directed-search.com/

This SELF/DIRECTED SEARCH is an interest and skill inventory. You may purchase this in the KCC’s bookstore. Please see a counselor prior to purchasing.

Self-assessment & Career Exploration Sites

Keirsey Temperament Sorter: An on-line personality questionnaire similar to the MBTI
The Princeton Review Career Quiz: This 24-question quiz asks easy questions about you, and then analyzes your answers to determine your most likely interest and work style.
The Career Key:http://careerkey.org Measures your skills, abilities, talents, values, interests, and personality, and helps you identify promising jobs and get accurate career information.

Career Exploration

There are many ways that you can explore occupations of interest to you.

CAREER SHADOWING

This activity allows you to visit an organization of your choice and observe for a day a professional in a field of interest to you.

CO-OPERATIVE EDUCATION

This program provides opportunities for you to supplement your course work with practical work experience related to your educational and occupational objectives. You can earn college credit for working part-time in an area directly related to your educational program. Programs at KCC that offer co-op are, Business Education, Food Service & Hospitality Education, and Legal Education.

INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEW

The informational interview is a highly focused information gathering session with a networking contact designed to help you choose or refine your career path by giving you the “insider” point of view.

SERVICE-LEARNING

Service-Learning allows students opportunities to engage in meaningful service in the community that can help them better understand what they are learning in their college courses. Many courses offer service-learning each semester. Students work during the semester in a community agency or school. For more information, go to the KCC Service-Learning page or contact kccserve@hawaii.edu.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

The Maida Kamber Center lists a number of volunteer positions available in the community. These positions give students opportunities to explore different careers, and to develop valuable skills that can help them build professional resumes.

Career Counseling

Counselors at KCC are interested in your success. They provide assistance to all students in making career decisions. Students are encouraged to define career/life goals and to discover and develop their personal, educational, and professional potential. Faculty and area advisors can also be helpful sources of information http://www.kcc.hawaii.edu/support/counsel/contact.htm.

Keep in mind that the helpfulness of impersonal, on-line counseling is limited simply because it is impersonal. Decision-making within the career exploration process requires a personal knowledge of yourself and how you fit into the world of work. Talking with a career services consultant is often helpful because the consultant can help you understand what you are finding out about yourself, and can help you decide on appropriate next steps in the process.

Services focusing on your success are:

• Assistance in identifying and resolving personal and interpersonal issues and concerns
• Facilitating career decisions, choice of major, and course selection
• Assistance in overcoming career obstacles
• Locating and evaluating the best resources for you
• Assisting in your transfer to a 4-year university

How to make an appointment:

Stop by…The Maida Kamber Center, Ilima 104
Call…The Maida Kamber Center, 808-734-9500
Email…Gemma A. Williams, EdD, gemmaw@hawaii.edu

Maida Kamber Center Hours are 9:00 am – 4:30 pm

Career Tools

Computerized interests and skills assessments (link to Career Assessment page)

Maida Kamber Center Resource Library

Research and Resources via the Internet:

2004-2005 Occupational Outlook Handbook
O*Net http://online.onetcenter.org/
America’s Career Infonet: Resource Library
Hawaii Labor Market Information: Occupations in Demand
Career Magazine
What you need to know about careers www.about.com/careers
College Source Online
Major Resource Kits
Exploring Occupations www.umanitoba.ca/counselling/careers.html
What Can I do with my Major? http://careers.tufts.edu/majors/apply_your_major.htm

Careers for the 21st Century Video Series (list of videos)

Transfer Information & Advising

The Maida Kamber Center houses information on local and national four-year and two-colleges. Program sheets from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, Hilo, and West Oahu are available. Catalog and other information on private colleges such as Chaminade, Hawaii Pacific University, and Brigham Young University are also available. Additionally, the center houses a limited number of hard copy catalogs from mainland colleges. Computers are available for career and college searches via the Internet.

Frequently Asked Questions About Transferring
Strategies for a Successful Transfer
Developing a Transfer Action Plan

Contact: Gemma Williams, Coordinator
Location: Maida Kamber Center, Ilima 104
Telephone: 808-734-9500
Email: gemmaw@hawaii.edu

Choosing a Major

Identify Your Academic Interests
Points to Consider When Choosing a Major
Frequently Asked Questions About Choosing a Major
Ways to Explore a Major
8 Myths About Majors
Marketable Liberal Arts Skills
What Can I Do With This Major? http://careers.tufts.edu/majors/apply_your_major.htm

Identifying Your Academic Interests

If you’re not sure what disciplines interest you the most, consider answering the following questions.

• What classes do I enjoy most? In which do I most actively participate?
• What homework or studying do I enjoy?
• Do I spend extra time on academic work for a particular class, above and beyond what is required?
• When looking at course listings, do I find myself wanting to take several electives in one department?
• Where might you have natural aptitude, skills, or abilities?
• Does studying a particular field give me more satisfaction than others?
• When I go to a bookstore, what section do I head to first?
• When reading newspapers or magazines, which articles do I always turn to?

Points to Consider When Choosing a Major

Undecided? You’re not alone…
One out of five students changes their major between admission and the first day of classes.
Nearly three out of four students change majors at least once before they graduate.
Three out of four college students express uncertainty about their major.
According to these facts, being uncertain about your major actually puts you in the majority! If you’d like guidance on how to choose the major that’s right for you, read the points below…

Identify your academic interests.
You should major in an area of interest, but what if you’re having trouble figuring out what your interests are? Click here for some ideas to consider regarding academic interests (link to Identifying Your Academic Interests).

You will excel in a major you enjoy studying.
It makes sense that you will exert more effort and your grades will be better when you study something you are interested in or enjoy. It follows that you might be more motivated and when you start looking for a job, you will bring more enthusiasm and focus to the search. On the other hand, if you choose your major based on other concerns like economic opportunity or job availability, you may find that markets and economy have changed considerably by the time you graduate.

Your college major puts few restrictions on your career choices.
Picking a major and a career are not one and the same. Some students who major in the Arts or Humanities end up entering careers in Business, Research, or any number of other fields. Most importantly, you should pick a major you enjoy and develop skills that are applicable to every career.

Develop transferable skills.
Beyond the skills you will gain at KCC, employers value skills that you develop outside of your studies. Therefore, you should consider participating in internships, volunteer service, and extra-curricular activities.

Frequently Asked Questions About Choosing a Major

Will my major influence who will hire me?
Choosing your major should be a personal decision, not a professional one. Employers in business, non-profits, and government are more often concerned with you as a person, your skills, interests, and professional curiosity.

What if I want to change majors?
Your decision is not irrevocable. If, after selecting your major, you find that you want to move to another discipline, contact your academic advisor about the process and its implications.

Help!! I’m COMPLETELY clueless about choosing my major.
Don’t panic. Read the suggestions listed in Identifying Your Academic Interests and Points to Consider When Choosing a Major. If you are still clueless make an appointment to see and academic advisor or career counselor.

I need a major that will help me pay back my student loans.
The major alone will not determine your success. Graduates in every discipline, from humanities to natural or social science, have obtained well paying jobs in a variety of job industries. Many of the skills employers look for are those that are transferable and useful across every field. Things such as leadership, initiative, and communication skills are not found in just one specific major, they are developed through your education at KCC.

Should I double major?
Choosing a double major is a unique opportunity to learn two diverse areas of study. Like any college decision, choosing two majors over one involves tradeoffs. Two degrees can be helpful assets, and is a good option for students who have interests in several disciplines, but it also means extra work. Though you can sometimes find two very complimentary majors which limit the number of classes you need to take to complete a double major, it usually requires that you carry a full course load throughout the full four years of school. Sometimes it even requires extra time, either in the form of an extra semester or a few summer classes. Make sure you really want to commit to a double major before you declare it – know all the requirements for each major and talk with your advisor to make sure you have the time to fit everything in.

Ways to Explore A Major

The Department
If you’d like to know more about a certain program, a good way to find out basic information is through the department’s website. Here, you can find information on majoring in that discipline, courses offered, and faculty http://programs.kcc.hawaii.edu.

The Faculty
They are experts in their fields, and therefore, can offer insight on the possibilities within their discipline. You do not need to declare a particular major to talk to a professor.

Current Students
Talk to students who are majoring in the discipline in which you are interested. Ask not only about the department and the requirements, but also what they like and dislike about their major, favorite classes, and projects that have given them satisfaction. In addition, ask about professors they’ve liked and have found inspiring. In turn, you may want to contact these professors to talk about a possible major.

Career Counselors and Department Advisors
At the Maida Kamber Center, counselors can give you a perspective of the work world and careers that relate to your possible choice of major. Talking to a counselor will help you gain insight into growing industries and will help you explore different possibilities. Finally, meeting with a counselor will introduce you to all the resources available, both in print and online. If you don’t have any idea what you’d like to do in the future, you can take the Focus II Test. This self-assessment tool may help you outline your personal preferences, strengths, interests and even possible career fields.
If you already have a general idea about a field you want to enter try talking to a program advisor for that area of study . http://www.kcc.hawaii.edu/support/counsel/contact.htm

Other Resources
See if the major in which you are interested has a club. Work, volunteer, or intern in a position related to your area of interest. Take exploratory courses related to possible majors/careers.

8 Myths About Majors

Myth #1: A Major Must be Directly Related to a Future Goal
Reality: Most career fields don’t require a particular major and students with a specific major don’t have to use acquired knowledge in the ways most commonly expected. Employers are more interested in why you chose your major, how well you did, and what skills you acquired through your coursework. In fact, studies have shown that within 10 years after graduation, most people are working in careers not directly connected to their undergraduate majors.

Myth #2: When I Choose My Major, I No Longer Can Take Classes in Other Areas of Interest
Reality: You can take a wide range of elective courses outside your major.

Myth #3: Only My Major Will Appear on My Resume
Reality: In the education section of your resume, you can also include “other areas of concentration,” and list courses to show your educational experience in additional subjects.

Myth #4: A Major is the Best Indicator of the Skills I’ve Gained
Reality: No major prepares you for a specific job or provides job specific skills. Many skills are developed through extracurricular activities, internships, and summer employment. Keep in mind that employers want well-rounded college graduates. Self-management skills such as leadership and the ability to handle a heavy workload are also taken into consideration.

Myth #5: A Liberal Arts Student is Nothing Without a Graduate or Professional Degree
Reality: Absolutely not! Thousands of liberal arts graduates are prominently employed in business, social services, government, communication fields, and elsewhere without having acquired advanced degrees.

Myth #6: You Must Major in a Certain Field to Go to Law School
Reality: The fact is, there is no specific major necessary to be accepted into law school. The required skills for success in law are best obtained from course which develop intellectual and communications skills, analytical thinking, and creative writing, which are offered through various departments and fields.

Myth #7: Majoring in Engineering Limits You to Working in the Engineering Field
Reality: The fact is, as more aspects of everyday life become technologically based, engineering skills and expertise are assets in bridging the information gap between engineering and non-engineering worlds. Quantitative skills are applicable in a wide variety of occupational arenas. Engineering majors find themselves in fields of technical writing, finance, law, and medicine.

Myth #8: A Liberal Arts Student Has Few “Marketable Skills” For the World of Work
Reality: Totally untrue! Liberal arts graduates have the ability to assemble and understand new information, come to a reasonable and timely conclusion, and communicate effectively. The analytical, communications, and interpersonal expertise derived from a liberal arts background are valuable to all employers. According to a recent employer survey, the number one quality employers look for in a candidate is good interpersonal skills, the second is the ability to participate in a team. (Source: National Association of Colleges and Employers)

Marketable Liberal Arts Skills

Analytical Skills

• Logical and critical thinking
• Ability to identify and formulate a problem
• Solving problems creatively and imaginatively
• Identifying causes, consequences, and the meaning of events

Attitudinal and Personal Skills

• Self discipline
• Ability to assume responsibility
• Ability to adapt to change
• Taking initiative
• Working independently
• Demonstrated commitment to work
• Ability to accept criticism

Communication Skills

• Ability to verbally communicate ideas and concepts
• Objective listening
• Ability to write in a grammatically correct, well-organized, and appropriate style
• Capable of persuading others
• Ability to bargain or discuss a view toward reaching an agreement

Human Relations Skills

• Ability to interact cooperatively with peers, subordinates, and superiors
• Understanding group interaction
• Ability to instruct or train individuals
• Ability to build rapport
• Ability to empathize
• Handle decisions

Leadership Skills

• Ability to motivate a group
• Delegating tasks and responsibilities
• Sustaining group cohesion
• Earning respect
• Decision making

Planning Skills

• Ability to access needs
• Identifying viable alternatives
• Evaluating positive and negative outcomes of each alternative
• Accommodating multiple demands by establishing priorities
• Setting goals
• Implementing a plan of action to meet goals

Research and Investigative Skills

• Defining a problem
• Ability to identify and use appropriate resource materials
• Formulating questions concerning relations between variables
• Designing a research model or plan

FAQ’S ABOUT TRASFERRING

How long does the application process take?
The admissions process normally takes between four and six weeks of the receipt of the last piece of pertinent information.

What office do I call for an application or other required information?
At UH-Manoa the number for the Admissions Office is 956-8755. You may also refer to their web site at http://www.hawaii.edu/admrec. For information on other 4-year institutions, start with a call to the Admissions Office.

What might the application process include?
Transcripts/test scores, essay, letters of recommendation, personal interview

When should I apply?
Transfer students must meet the admissions deadline. Students are encouraged to apply early, even up to one year in advance of your projected enrollment date.

Is there and application fee?
Most colleges have a non-refundable application fee. At UH-Manoa the fee is $40.00. If you find yourself in a situation of financial hardship you can also write a letter explaining your situation and ask for a fee waiver.

How are transcripts usually handled?
Official transcripts (those mailed directly from the registrar’s office) are considered official transcripts. Hand delivered or copies are not acceptable.

Are class sizes usually the same as in a community college setting?
Generally class sizes are larger at 4-year institutions, particularly in the lower level courses required by most students. As courses get more specialized, class sizes get smaller.

Are there any support services?
Most schools offer support services to transferring students. At UH-Manoa these services include the First Year Center, and the Professional Advising Center (PAC).

How does counseling at a community college differ from counseling at a 4-year institution?
Counseling at a 4-year college is usually more therapeutic, whereas at a community college these services may be more academically oriented.

How do I know if my credits will transfer?
You will need to check with the college you are applying to.

Do I have to pick a major before I can be processed for admission?
Again this varies from college to college. Most colleges require you to specify a major in your transfer application. At Manoa students are asked to declare a major when they are nearing 80 credits.

I am still taking classes. Can I apply even though I don’t have my final grades?
Yes. In fact, it is strongly encouraged that you apply early. You must submit transcripts from every post-secondary institution you have attended. You can be tentatively admitted based on these grades. When you finish your final semester you are responsible for making sure your final transcripts are sent to the schools you applied and were accepted. Sending these guarantees your full admission.

Do I have to wait until I have everything together before I send my application?
No. You can send your transcripts, test scores, application and application fee one at a time or together. The most important thing is that all necessary materials are received by the application deadline.

Do I need an Associate’s Degree to transfer?
No, you just need to meet the admission requirements of the university to which you are transferring.

How many credits do I need to transfer?
For UH-Manoa you need 24 credits to transfer. For other schools you will need to find out this information from personnel in the Admissions Office.

What is the minimum GPA I need to transfer?
UH-Manoa requires a 2.0 GPA. For other schools you will need to check with the Admissions Office.

What are WUE and WICHE?
WUE is the Western Undergraduate Exchange. Hawaii is part of this program. Students in participating states may enroll in designated two-year and four-year public institutions and programs in other participating states at a special, reduced tuition. For more information visit www.wiche.edu/sep/wue. WICHE the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education is a similar program for those students interested in professional degrees. For more information about participating states and professional programs visit www.wiche.edu/sep.

Are there any distance learning opportunities?
Most 4-year institutions now offer this kind of educational setting. UH-Manoa and KCC also offer distance learning opportunities.

Are the freshman and sophomore courses that students take at KCC the same as those at the four-year universities?
Most lower level courses taken at community colleges are equivalent to those taken at a 4-year institution. Currently UH-Manoa accepts all credits from KCC students who have completed an AA degree. However, 4-year colleges vary from institution to institution, so you will need to ask the school’s registrar. Usually the school will compare the course description from you school’s catalog to what the course requirements are at that school.

How can I improve my chances for being accepted to the university of my choice?
It is important to be as academically well prepared as possible. Work with a counselor to develop a student educational plan that will include completion of your lower division general education and major preparation. At universities where the admissions process is more competitive, having a strong grade point average is also important. In addition, some universities are looking for students who cannot only excel academically but who are also involved in campus and community activities.

Strategies for a Successful Transfer

1. Identify your career area and major
   1. Assess your interests, skills, values, personality and goals
   2. Visit with your academic advisor or make an appointment with a career counselor
   3. Interview persons in different career areas
   4. Research different occupations in the Occupational Outlook Handbook or on O*Net
2. Choose a college or university that suits your needs
   1. Visit with a career and transfer counselor
   2. Consult Peterson’s Guide to Four-Year Colleges
   3. Review college viewbooks and catalogs
   4. Visit different campuses
   5. Consider Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) schools and Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education schools. Visit www.wiche.edu/sep/wue or www.wiche.edu/sep for more information on participating schools.
3. Find out how your credits may transfer
   1. Visit with the career and transfer counselor
   2. Call the registrar or academic advisors of the college you are considering
4. Plan you lower level division classes in your major field
   1. Ask the career and transfer counselor or your faculty advisor for help
5. Inform yourself about the following deadlines
   1. Application deadline
   2. Financial Aid deadline
   3. Scholarship deadlines
6. Apply early
   1. Try to start at least a year ahead. Starting early will make you feel more informed about the school you are attending and will relieve some of the stress of the mad rush that is all too common to the transfer student.
   2. Develop a Transfer Action Plan (link to Transfer Action Plan)
7. Gather necessary application documents
   1. Paper or online application
   2. Official copy of your transcripts
   3. Letters of recommendation
   4. Personal statement or essay
8. Recognize the value of an Associate of Arts degree
   1. Completing an AA degree will help you meet general education requirements for nearly every college or university in the United States
   2. Some schools offer block transfer agreements to Associate’s Degree holders
   3. Some schools offer scholarships to associate’s degree holders with sufficient grade point averages
9. Don’t take your eyes off long-term goals
   1. Learn time management and study skills
   2. When discouraged, think of the long-term benefits of finishing a bachelor’s degree
10. Ultimately, you are responsible for your education
    1. You are responsible for meeting academic and grade point average requirements
    2. You are responsible for meeting application, financial aid and scholarship deadlines

Transfer Action Plan

Your plan should include the following:

• The desired timeframe/date you want to begin attending the transfer institution
• The probable date the application will be due in order to attend during your desired timeframe.
• The projected date that transcripts will be due to the college/university
• The time-lapse between when you request your transcripts and when the college/university will actually get them (remember it could take up to four weeks)
• The time you will need to get letters of reference if required (as a courtesy you should give your references at least 2-3 weeks notice to write your letter).
• The projected deadline to file for financial aid
• The deadline for accepting admission and paying a deposit
• The projected date for on-campus orientation
• The projected date for the first day of classes