In preparation for the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities 31st annual national conference Oct. 28-30, the Cal State San Bernardino Career Center hosted an intensive two-day preconference to prepare about 40 students planning to attend the event.

The HACU conference, which will be held in San Diego, provides an exceptional opportunity for students to build their professional network. More than 500 students from various colleges and universities across the country are expected to attend. Students can also secure internships and full-time employment by networking with hundreds of potential employers.

The national conference also offers attending students an international platform to share their voice regarding the educational disparities influencing Hispanic and Latinx students. Students may apply their knowledge attained from participating in workshops and scholarly discussions to create change in their own lives and their local communities.

Every year, CSUSB takes pride in selecting a group of bright and high-achieving students to attend HACU’s annual national conference. This year, the Career Center awarded 40 students the “Student Track Scholarship,” which is funded by Associated Students Inc. and Academic Affairs. The Career Center’s staff and campus partners are committed to preparing students with the necessary tools and resources to maximize their conference experience.

The Career Center enhanced the program this year by developing an intensive two-day CSUSB HACU Preconference for the students. The program created a learning environment for students to revamp their resumes, utilize LinkedIn and acquire effective networking and interviewing strategies.

CSUSB President Tomás D. Morales attended the preconference to speak and encourage students to leverage their participation at the HACU conference. He said the national conference is a life-changing and unforgettable experience.

The CSUSB HACU Preconference was organized and coordinated by CSUSB Career Center’s director, Denise Gianoussopoulos, and interim assistant director, Sarai Maldonado. The entire Career Center staff supported the program along with campus departments. The Career Center received support that included Alex Cassadas, Human Resources; Bryant Fairley, Community Engagement; Carol Dixon, Special Events & Guest Services; Elizabeth Perez, Workability; Jesse Felix, Associated Student Inc.; Shannon Stratton, Recreation & Wellness; and Valentina Felix, Information and Decision Sciences.

Visit the CSUSB Career Center for more information.

For more information on Cal State San Bernardino, contact the university’s Office of Strategic Communication at (909) 537-5007 and visit news.csusb.edu.