COMING SOON: New Center for Entreprenuership at the HEC

Early 2013, RCC and Avista Corp, will open the Avista Center for Entrepreneurship at the Higher Education Center in downtown Medford. The center will help those looking to start a business, current business owners, and students launch or grow their businesses.

For more information on this new opportunity, please read RCC's PSA: RCC and Avista Corp. Collaborate on New Center for Entrepreneurship

Enjoy!

Mapping Your Future: Using Career Assessment Tools as a Compass

At some point in time we’ve all been asked: What do you want to be when you grow up? In fact, some of us have written essays on the topic in school. Now that you’re considering new options and opportunities for your future – What do you want to be when you grow up? 

Life’s an adventure and there are plenty of pathways and trails to explore, but if you’re looking for a final destination once the sight-seeing is through, the use of career self-assessment tools can help steer you in the right direction. So, if you’re looking to draw up a map and set some career option coordinates a great place to gather information is at RCC’s Career Base Camp. On the left hand side of the page you’ll find a list of links, select Career Exploration, near the bottom of the page you’ll discover a section titled: Self Assessment Tools. In here you’ll find:

1. Career-Related Values – This survey sheds light on your work values by placing twenty cards with statements in order of importance to you. This will generate scores for six work values and direct you to occupations that are linked with them. Finding fields that are in line with your work values can lead to greater job satisfaction.

2. Holland Code Quiz – This quiz will look at things you can do, might like to do, or types of actions that best fits you. Once completed, you’ll receive two Holland Codes, by clicking on them you’ll be able to view possible job titles and corresponding degree programs offered on campus.

3. Interest Profiler –The interest profile will organize your interests into six broad categories, after answering 180 items with either like, unsure, or dislike. Once you’re through, you’ll be given your scores, by clicking on various categories you’ll be taken to a page that will list possible jobs, the education level required, wages, and if the positions are considered green.

4. MBTI – The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator can help illustrate how you like to make decisions, organize your life, and acquire information. It helps give you an idea of where your focus lies, like towards the outer world (people and things) or the inner world (ideas). The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator is one that must be administered by campus staff. For more information, contact Joe Momyer at 541-956-7193 on the Redwood Campus or Michelle Gray at 541-245-7754 on the Riverside Campus.

5. Strong Campbell Interest Inventory (SII) – The SII, like the MBTI, must be administered by a career development professional who will score it and interpret your results. Your report should include a list of occupations that may be compatible with your interests that you can later explore. To complete this assessment, contact Joe Momyer at 541-956-7193 on the Redwood Campus or Michelle Gray at 541-245-7754 on the Riverside Campus.

6. Oregon Reality Check – This link gives you an inside look on what to expect in living expenses in various parts of Oregon. This tool can provide an outline for how much money you’ll need to make and possible occupations that could provide it.

7. Skill Competence – This assessment tool can help identify occupations based on skills you like. This may also help you identify transferable skills and allow you to explore occupations, modify your current career direction, and even prepare for an interview.

If you have any questions regarding the seven resources listed above, please drop by the office and ask. Otherwise, unroll those maps and dust off your compass as new career opportunities are waiting to be discovered. Get exploring!

Choosing a Career

You are your own biggest asset when it comes to choosing a career. Consider the following steps:

1. Make a list of both strengths and weaknesses
2. Ask friends and family for insights on the above that you have not considered
3. What kinds of roles do you feel you are best suited for
4. From those roles, which ones do you feel will give you the greatest ability to develop a career over time
5. Determine the kinds of training or education you may need and meet with appropriate sources to discuss
6. If you’re looking for a career research tool, be sure to check out Rogue Community College’s Career Base Camp, which is located on the website at Here you will find a variety of tools and resources to aid you on your career selection path.

Accommodations In The Workplace

Accommodations should be assessed on a case by case basis and take into consideration an individuals limitations. A great resource for both individuals and employers regarding reasonable accommodations can be found online through  the Job Accommodation Network (JAN). Listed below, you will find a few suggestions regarding accommodations for individuals with back impairments.

1. Schedule periodic rest breaks away from workstation
2. Allow a work from home schedule
3. Implement ergonomic workstation design (height adjustable desk, chair)
4. Make sure materials and equipment are within reach, at or near waist level
5. Provide parking close to work-site
6. Provide a cart to move files, mail, and supplies
7. Install automatic door openers
8. Provide anti-fatigue mats and stand/lean stools for functions requiring long periods of standing