QCC’s Human Service Fair Builds a Bridge Between Students and Agencies

Human service jobs provide a service to society. They are often those positions that make a true life-altering difference in a person’s life. On April 9, the college hosted its annual Human Services Fair to help support its human services program.The fair drew representatives from over 25 human service agencies across the region, who discussed both intern and job opportunities with QCC students.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for our human service students, and other QCC students, to interact with agencies,” said Professor of Human Services Jean Kennedy. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for our students to network and understand the kinds of service delivery we have in Worcester. Worcester has an amazing amount of non-profit agencies.”

Ms. Kennedy said that while the human service industry is “really large,” the need is great. She said the fair allows not only the students, but also the agencies to become familiar with the college and all it has to offer.

“I think it is a win-win for both the college and the industry,” she continued, noting that “there are direct care workers who don’t have a college degree and they can think about coming here and getting their credentialing. It’s a nice feeder for both.”

One of the agencies represented at the fair was LUK Inc. LUK is a not-for-profit social service agency located in central Massachusetts dedicated to improving the lives of youth and their families. Hilary Amedy, Coordinator for the agency’s youth mentoring program (ages 6-17) was on hand at the fair to recruit interns to help out with the youth mentoring program.

“We especially like interns in the human service field because we know we are giving them some of the experiences they need,” she said. “We’ve had interns from QCC before and they’ve worked out fabulously.”

While it was the LUK mentoring program that was on-hand at the fair, Ms. Amedy said there are numerous other programs (such as foster, residential, prevention etc.) within the agency.

“There may be job opportunities or internship in other programs as well,” she added.

Victor Carrasquillo, one of the students who attend the fair, said the fair will help him to further his career and future goals.

“This is very helpful,” he added.