Career counseling is just a phone call away at NCCC

WINSTED — With unemployment still hovering near 10 percent here and in communities across the country, everyone from the business professional and the skilled worker to the recent college graduate is looking for any way to find a job, or at least get a foot in the door, and it seems harder than ever to find work.

That was the general consensus Nov. 4 at the Northwestern Connecticut Community College Library, where a group of people of different ages and from different walks of life gathered for a free career workshop hosted by college counselor Jeff Crothers. Participants included recent graduates and workforce veterans who were looking for new careers.

Crothers introduced participants to the popular Myers-Briggs personality test, which measures the personality in four components. Based on the answers, each respondent was categorized as one of 16 personality types, with explanations and career suggestions.

Crothers noted that the test results simply offered guidelines for participants and that anyone with any personality type can explore different careers.

“I test as introverted, but part of my job is talking to people,†he noted. “So you can improve upon these skills and use them in the workplace.â€

Crothers also noted that he offers a range of career services at Northwestern Connecticut Community College, both for students and non-students.

“These are your tax dollars at work,†he said. “You can always contact my office regarding career questions.â€

Crothers also offers courses in stress reduction and free financial aid services for students and prospective students.

For more information about the Myers-Briggs personality test and information on careers, Crothers suggested visiting personalitypage.com and careerinfo.net. Anyone who needs help with career counseling or furthering their education in hopes of gaining employment may call Crothers’ office directly at 860-738-6306.