Certificate of Completion in Office and Business Support Skills

Program Description:

The Transition Program is a two-year, noncredit vocational certificate program. It is designed for students with significant learning disabilities who would find traditional college-level academics too challenging, even with extensive support services.

Transition helps students achieve their potential through specialized coursework and hands-on experience in work settings. Students work as interns two days per week in competitive employment situations in office and business support environments. Three days a week, students participate in specially designed classes, which include basic and applied office practice, computer training, interpersonal skills, consumer education and a choice of elective courses to develop or expand personal interests. In addition, students learn job-survival skills and job-search techniques, such as resume writing and interviewing skills. Small class size ensures that students receive individualized attention and a program tailored to meet their unique needs. The Transition Program is administered through MCC’s Office of Disability Support Services.

Career and Transfer Outlook:

Graduates receive a Certificate of Completion in Office and Business Support Skills. Program graduates typically obtain employment within the following areas: office support (data entry, file clerk, receptionist, general office); business support (distribution, mailroom, shipping/receiving, facilities support); or retail support (stock clerk, cashier, maintenance). Graduates can also avail themselves of job-support groups during the academic year to assist in their job search and individual job-seeking assistance and referral.

Helpful Hints:

Transition is selective and accepts up to 20 students each year. Entrance is for fall semester only, and students must participate in all four semesters (two years). Students receive nontransferable completion units, not credits. Admission deadlines fluctuate. Applicants are encouraged to apply by March 1. Prospective applicants and their families MUST attend a Transition Program information session, held throughout the year, before applying.

Program Outcomes:

Graduates of the Transition Program are prepared to demonstrate, in both classroom and internship settings:

• Positive, contextually appropriate personal and social attitudes, habits and behaviors that will enable success in the workplace;
• Competency with essential office workplace skills, such as keyboarding, filing, proofreading, and producing Word documents and Excel spreadsheets;
• Consumer and money-management skills, including personal budgeting and banking;
• Effective communication skills (reading, writing, verbal and non-verbal) for success in the workplace;
• Self-assessment and self-advocacy skills;
• Effective job-seeking skills, including resume development, job-search techniques, and interview skills.