On November 18, 2014, Naugatuck Valley Community College (NVCC) hosted a Community and Public Sector Career Expo, a unique annual event that provides students of all majors an opportunity to meet and talk with professionals from all sectors of Criminal Justice, Early Childhood Education and Human Services.  Café West was filled with 40 agencies and over 250 students who received information and gained insights as they spoke with people in careers as varied as Department of Correction Canine Officers, Social Workers from the VA, and Victim Services Advocates.

At least eight of the visiting agencies were represented by NVCC alumni who offered current students advice and career guidance. NVCC, formerly Mattatuck Community College, helped alumnus, Mark Simoes, ’83, start his career in human services by placing him in an internship at a mental health organization. His advice to students, “Be flexible in your path. Look for your internship and do the research now.  It’s a great way to get into a company.”

Miranda Andujar, a representative from the Girls Inc. of Southwestern Connecticut, met with students who went to the agency’s after-school program as young girls. Andujar says, “These students are interested in coming back as mentors and volunteers.  They know that it’s a good program and they feel good about reconnecting and giving back to our community.”

Additional agencies represented by alumni included: Staywell; Naugatuck Valley Regional Action Council; Naugatuck Police Department; Waterbury Police Department; St. Mary’s Child Development Center; Department of Corrections; Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services.

Both student and employer feedback was positive, as the opportunity to network was beneficial to both.  Mark your calendars for March 31, 2015 for NVCC’s Spring Career Expo. For more information contact Mary Ann Fontaine at (203) 596-2143 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.