Meet the Staff
Carissa Benchwick M.Ed.
Carissa is a Career Development Coordinator for the Youngstown Campus who assists students in finding meaningful careers from various backgrounds, industries, and stages of their life. She is eager to learn about every one of her students’ stories and is motivated to help them with the assessment and evaluation of skills, interests, values, personality, resume review, job search coaching and resources, and interview skill building.
Born and raised in the Mahoning Valley, Carissa is also a two-time graduate of Youngstown State University, earning a bachelor's degree in International Business and a master's degree in Student Affairs and College Counseling. Throughout her career, she has predominantly worked within the education sector as an Academic Coach at CSU and YSU, as well as a Business Teacher at Youngstown City Schools. She is extremely passionate about education, diversity, and inclusion as well as keeping local talent, local. Her favorite part about working at EGCC is having the privilege to provide insight to others about their own greatness and talent!
Beyond work, Carissa has traveled to over 10 countries, is a huge Cleveland sports fan, and enjoys cooking, baking, kayaking, cycling, and any experience where she can learn something new.
Email: CBenchwick@egcc.edu
Phone: (330) 480-0726, ext. 3116
What is Career Development?
The Career Development Center at Eastern Gateway Community College is dedicated to developing its students into career professionals who are prepared to meet the demands of and keep professional pace with today’s industries.
We provide comprehensive services in career and professional development to our students and alumni, as well as build relationships with local, regional and national employers.
Our students are exposed to many opportunities for career and professional development throughout their academic career at EGCC. Make an appointment or contact the Career Development Center soon to plan for your future!
Services for Students and Alumni
The Career Development Center is focused on its students professional success and career achievement. Here are services EGCC students and alumni can take advantage of:
- Resume/Cover Letter Development
- Interviewing/Soft Skills Techniques
- Networking Opportunities
- Professional Development/Dress for Success
- Internship Search Assistance
- Full Time & Part Time Job Search Assistance
- Individualized Career Counseling
- Career Development Workshops
- Exposure to employers through on campus recruiting
- Exposure to employers through career and internship fairs
Resources for Workers With Disabilities and Job Seekers
This is a career support guide for individuals with a disability.
Guide for Job Seekers & Workers with a Disability
A Study on the Top Cities for Workers With Disability
Career Counseling
Choosing a career can sometimes feel like one of the biggest decisions you’ll make in your life. When looking at your career options it is important to remember that each person has different skill sets, abilities, interests, work values and experiences. Starting the conversation on choosing a career can be difficult. Some questions to ask yourself to get started:
- What are your natural abilities?
- Where do you like to work?
- What do you value at work?
- What are your interests?
- What types of experience (both work and volunteer) do you already have?
- What are your interpersonal/soft skills?
- Click on one the links below to take a free career assessment:
- O*NET https://www.mynextmove.org/explore/ip
- MyPlan https://www.myplan.com/assess/values.php
Resume Development
Your initial contact with an employer is often through a cover letter and resume. Your resume is essential in presenting yourself as a prospective employee. There are many points of view on what should be included in a resume. What goes into yours will depend on your own experiences, the type of job you are seeking, and the qualifications which you believe to be important to the employer.
*Some templates you find online are not up-to-date or properly formatted. Refer to the template below for an example to follow. Please note this is a generic template, you may have other sections and information to include.
To schedule an appointment for resume development or critique: stop by the Career Services Center, call or email:
- Leanna Lulla (Steubenville, Online): llulla@egcc.edu | 740-264-5594 x.1650
The Interview
Interviews play a vital role in not only your job search, but also your career success. The more time you spend preparing for an interview, the better will be your chances for successfully landing that desired position.
Before the Interview:
- Do your research. Learn something about the company. Check out their web page if they have one. The more you know going in, the better you will be able to give targeted answers and ask relevant questions.
- Have a specific job or jobs in mind.
- Review your qualifications for the job and be able to sell your relevant skills, training, and abilities.
- Be prepared to answer broad questions about yourself.
Information to Take With You:
- Photo ID and Social Security Card.
- Multiple copies of your resume. Be sure to keep one for yourself to reference any educational or work history information.
- References. If the job you have applied for did not request references to be sent with your resume, bring them with you in case they are needed. Employers typically require three to five references. Make sure to get permission from each person before using their names.
Top Interview Tips:
- Be on time! Better yet, be early.
- Have a neat, clean, smoke free professional appearance.
- Use a firm handshake, smile and maintain eye contact.
- Be prompt in your responses and answer each question the best you can.
- Keep the focus on job related skills, training, experience, and ability
- Be truthful, considerate, and honest.
- Be positive; express yourself in a confident manner.
- Express yourself in a confident manner.
- Know your industry and use the terminology of your field.
- Thank the interviewer for his/her time.
Avoid the Following:
- Do not start the interview with questions about salary.
- Do not talk too much.
- Avoid exercising bad manners and discussing personal problems.
- Avoid using slang.
- Avoid using “um” and “like” while speaking.
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Student & Employer Resources
Eastern Gateway Community College Career Development has partnered with ManpowerGroup to give you the local and regional vocational support you need during and after graduation. With over 200 offices in the continental US, Manpower Talent Agents and Recruiters hold local market and client expertise to guide, support, and connect you to jobs that will achieve your goals.
EGCC offers all students, alumni, and employers access to Handshake, the premier career platform for job posting, scheduling meetings with a Career Coach, and more!
The Career Development Center at Eastern Gateway Community College highly values its relationship with employers and professional organizations who give our students the opportunity to take the next steps in their professional journey. The center’s staff is dedicated to developing its students to be above the industry standard when entering into the professional world. Here are services employers can take advantage of:
- On Campus Recruiting
- Annual Internship and Career Fair
- Personal, frequent contact with Career Development Staff
- Opportunity to host Career Development Center Staff for employer site visits