New Career & Transfer Center at New Mexico Junior College

HOBBS, NM — New Mexico Junior College (NMJC) recently opened its new Career and Transfer Center, and welcomed Career Development Advisor Dawna Burton.  

Burton will lead the new center, which marks a significant step in enhancing the resources available to NMJC students, Workforce Development students, and NMJC alumni in pursuit of new and expanding career goals.

The Career & Transfer Center is designed to serve as a hub for NMJC students and alumni seeking guidance on employability skills. Burton will also oversee and manage the Career Coach Program, providing valuable resources and posting local job opportunities for the NMJC community. “Once the center is set up, we will offer workshops and individual assistance with job interview preparation, resumes, cover letters, job searches, employability skills, and career pathways,” Burton said.

Burton joins us from the Department of Workforce Solutions, where she played a key role in establishing apprenticeship programs for youth within our community. “I am excited to be building up NMJC’s new Career and Transfer Center!” said Burton.

In addition to job preparation support, the Career Center will offer students the opportunity to take career assessments, helping them identify and explore career pathways that align with their interests and goals. Burton will actively engage with local businesses to create opportunities for students to participate in informational interviews, job shadowing, and internships within their desired career fields. The ultimate aim is to connect students with the appropriate career pathways and introduce them to Academic Success Coaches who will guide them in achieving the necessary academic requirements for their chosen careers.

“All of these things can save students time, frustration, confusion, and money by helping them to create a clear and feasible pathway to the career of their dreams,” Burton said.

NMJC is also partnering with college representatives from Eastern New Mexico University (ENMU) and Texas Tech University, who will have a presence at the Career and Transfer Center. These representatives will be available every month to meet with students and discuss degree plans, as well as seamless transfers from NMJC to their institutions for further academic pursuits.

Looking ahead, NMJC, in collaboration with the Department of Workforce Solutions and the United Steelworkers (USW), will host a career day in March 2024 for NMJC students and alumni. Plans are also underway to initiate a mini "Career Pathways Day" in the Fall of 2024, aimed at assisting incoming NMJC students in connecting with other students and setting early academic/career goals.

“I look forward to meeting more of our amazing NMJC students and helping them to achieve career success!” said Burton.