(PHOENIX, July 13, 2005) - Phoenix College Career Services, which served approximately 11,100 students for the 2004-2005 term, is offering a unique course that gives participants an opportunity to gain real work experience.

Many times, students select a career path without understanding or experiencing the true realities of the profession. Whether students select a professional path based on recommendations made by others or projected salary increases, they may quickly realize that they have selected the wrong career path.

Thanks to the new career work experience course, students can sample a career before actually committing years of study and a lot of money toward an education in a particular field.

Phoenix College Counselor Fred Amador describes it as a business savvy decision.

"Before we commit to years of monthly car payments, we test-drive the car we think we may be interested in purchasing," he said. "The career work experience course is based on the same concept. Students have an opportunity to try working in a career field before they spend time and money pursuing that particular career. In addition, they do not need to have prior experience. These work experiences are entry-level positions."

Students can receive up to three credits for their work experience, and depending on the company, these opportunities are paid or unpaid.

"We have many paid work experience opportunities available," said Amador. "I would say about 90 percent of all the sites we partner with are paid opportunities."

More than 200 companies are interested in accepting Phoenix College students as interns through this program. Some of the companies include: Association for Supportive Child Care; Association Managers of America; Banner Health; Beatitudes; BPI Media, Inc.; Brown's Next Generation; HSIAC - Grant; L & A Services, Inc.; Luxury Brands, LLC; Make-A-Wish Foundation; Mountain Park Country Day School; Multi Systems Inc.; NEX Computing Solutions, Inc.; O'Neil Associates; Power 92.3 / KKFR; Omega Academy; The Suntan Boutique; Talent Team; Wildlife World Zoo; YMCA - Chris Town; and, YMCA - Lincoln Family.

Phoenix College student, Elizabeth Valencia was among the first few students to take advantage of the program. She describes her summer internship experience with Power 92 Radio as great!

"Power 92 has helped me understand the quality and organization of a radio station," said Valenica. "This program also helped me get a glimpse of what hard work is in this particular business. It helped me narrow my choices down to what kind of career I am looking for in the future."

Lisseth Leon-Villegas also took advantage of the program. She had the opportunity to work for the City of Phoenix, Economic Initiative Program.

"Working at the City Hall was great," she said. "It gave me a different perspective, and I am now thinking of changing my major to either international studies or political science. I am currently researching both. I have learned that even though something looks scary, that with help and ambition we can move on to greater things."

Additionally, the open-entry class helps students develop and perfect interviewing, cover letter and resume writing skills.

For more information on the class or services offered by the Career Services Center, please call (602) 285-7242.

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