Career Pathways

As you prepare for your professional journey, mastering key career readiness competencies can set you apart in today's competitive job market. The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) has identified eight core career readiness competencies that employers look for in candidates. These competencies ensure you are well-equipped to navigate the workplace and achieve long-term career success.

View a PDF of the NACE Competencies

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Feature #1: “HCCC Career Closet”

• Need something to wear for an interview, internship, or professional event? HCCC’s Career Closet offers students a wide selection of business attire including suits, shirts, blouses, dresses, skirts, pants, and accessories. All items are completely free and yours to keep, so you can feel confident and prepared for every professional occasion.
• For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit the Hudson Helps Career Closet.

Professional Attire
What does “professional attire” mean?

• Professional attire refers to clothing that presents a polished, workplace-appropriate appearance for settings such as interviews, internships, and career events. It typically includes suits, blazers, dress shirts, blouses, slacks, skirts, dresses, and closed-toe shoes, with the goal of conveying confidence and professionalism.

Dress for Success
Making a strong first impression starts with professional attire. Proper fit is key; your clothes should be comfortable yet polished.

Business Casual
Appropriate for networking events, career fairs, and some office environments.

• Button-up shirt or blouse (tie optional)
• Sweater and/or blazer
• Khakis, dress slacks, or a professional skirt
• Closed-toe dress shoes, flats, or heels

Business Professional
Expected for job interviews, presentations, and corporate settings.

• Well-groomed appearance
• Light-colored dress shirt or blouse with undershirt
• Tie (recommended for dress shirts)
• Tailored matching suit with dress pants or skirt
• Closed-toe dress shoes, flats, or heels

Remember: When in doubt, it's better to be slightly overdressed. No sneakers for either dress code.

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Feature #2: “Career Reads”

1. Social Media Presence Can Help You Land (or Lose) a Job Opportunity
2. Professionalism: 10 Tips for Students on the Job Hunt
3. The soft skills college students need to succeed now and in the future
4. How to network in the postpandemic era

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Feature #3: Career & Transfer Fair Prep Hub

1. How To Stand Out At Career Fairs And Recruiting Events: 4 Steps To An Interview
   
   
   • Career and Transfer Fair Tips Flyer
   • Fair Prep Presentation

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The Career and Transfer Pathways office value faculty as key partners in helping students connect their classroom learning to future academic and career goals. Faculty can support our efforts by sharing recorded presentations with students, promoting upcoming events, integrating career readiness concepts into coursework, and referring students to meet with our staff for individualized support.

We also welcome opportunities to collaborate on programs that enhance students’ career development. Faculty expertise is vital in helping students understand how their studies apply in real-world settings and prepare them for success beyond HCCC.

Our overview presentation, available in English, Spanish, and Arabic, introduces students to our services and ways to connect with us. See the video below and feel free to share it with your classes.

[Insert video here like COL's]

 

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The Office of Career and Transfer Pathways welcomes partnerships with employers and organizations seeking to engage with HCCC students and alumni. There are several ways to get involved:

• Share Opportunities on Handshake: Post your job and internship openings on our Handshake platform to reach a wide network of HCCC students and alumni.
• Host Recruitment or Information Sessions: Schedule an in-person or virtual information table or session to connect directly with students, promote your organization, and discuss available opportunities.
• Enhance Your Campus Presence: Collaborate with us to lead virtual or on-campus career workshops, participate in panel discussions, serve as a guest speaker, or partner with HCCC student clubs and organizations to connect with emerging leaders and future professionals.
• Join Career & Transfer Fairs: Participate in our annual Career and Transfer Fairs to build your brand and meet motivated students ready to take the next step in their careers and further their education.

For questions or to learn more about getting involved at HCCC, contact the Office of Career and Transfer Pathways at ctpathwaysFREEHUDSONCOUNTYCOMMUNITYCOLLEGE or (201) 360-4188.

 

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