Office of Career Integrated Learning

Welcome to Middlesex Community College's Office of Career Integrated Learning

The Office of Career Integrated Learning (OCIL) is your number one source for creating your career plan. Available year-round, we are committed to guiding you to success during and after your time at MCC.

We are here to assist you with these aspects of career development:

  • Learning to use career tools
  • Identifying your area of interest
  • Developing in-demand skills
  • Gaining relevant work experience
  • Take advantage of exciting integrated learning opportunities

Career Preparation

Through Career Development Workshops, our staff will work with you to develop the following skills to make you more marketable in your field and gain confidence in using your knowledge and talents in the job market.

  • Networking skills
  • Interviewing skills         
  • Effectively communicating your elevator pitch

Upon graduating, we want you to leave with a:

  • Resume
  • Cover letter
  • Elevator pitch
  • Experience in your field

OCIL provides career support throughout your academic journey. Students who access our services will receive coaching, mentorship, and advising; career exploration and exposure to employers; and help to search for jobs and internship opportunities.

Opportunities for work-based learning include:

  • Learn and Earn
  • Micro-internships
  • Job shadowing
  • Industry-based capstones & projects

What is the Learn & Earn Experience?

This is a structured paid internship experience that allows students to continue with their education while participating in part-time or full-time employment in their field of study.

Benefits of the Learn & Earn Experience:

  • Gain experience in your field
  • Earn a living wage and gain significant paid work experience
  • Get support and mentorship from OCIL and your employer
  • Follow a schedule that works for your classes and job site

With more to be added, MCC’s Learn & Earn programs include:

  • Biotechnology
  • Information Technology (IT)
  • Criminal & Social Justice
  • Engineering Technology/Computer-Aided Design (CAD)

Come and talk to us and find out if Learn and Earn is right for YOU!

Focus 2:

Are you undecided or interested in learning more about what you can do with your major? Focus 2 is a great place to explore majors and occupations.  Once you log on, you can complete assessments which will then provide suggested majors and career opportunities. 

Focus2 is a single sign-on application.

  • Log on to MyMCC portal
  • Click on the "My Career" tile which will direct you to career applications.
  • Click on the Focus2 application and it will automatically take you to your Focus2 student home page.

What can I expect when I use FOCUS2?

  • It takes about 40 minutes to complete
  • You can spend more time researching different occupations
  • You can view over 300+ occupational videos
  • You will get job outlook and salary information
  • Learn what skills are needed to be successful in a given occupation

To view our Focus2 tutorial, please click on Focus2 Tutorial.
Start at the 1-minute 57-second point. Ignore the registration instructions.  

If you experience difficulty accessing your account, please contact us via our office email address: OCIL@MIDDLESEX.MASS.EDU 

What’s next after I complete FOCUS2?

  • You will have received a great deal of information about potential jobs and majors
  • Remember to save occupations (job descriptions) that you are interested in exploring further
  • The best way to sort through all of this information is with the assistance of a career counselor. Schedule an appointment with a career counselor through Navigate. 
Faculty and staff access to Focus 2:
Faculty and staff, please click on this link to create or access your account:
Faculty Staff Focus 2


Employment Searches:

Are you looking for a job or internship while in college or hoping to secure a full-time job once you graduate? 

Log on to Handshake! Handshake is the college's online job board and the place to find part-time, full-time, and internship opportunities. You can also use Handshake to attend virtual events and research employers.
To log on, use your MyMCC credentials, complete your profile, and search for part-time jobs, full-time opportunities, and internships. Tip: Completing your profile will allow employers to find you and reach out with job opportunities.
Set up your Handshake profile today by clicking the Handshake image below: 

Students | Handshake

Employers:

Are you an employer hoping to connect with Middlesex Community College's talented students? 
Create a free employer account on joinHandshake.com 
Post jobs, internships, and events!  
Handshake is a free career management system open to all employers. Middlesex Community College has the right to decline any employer or job posting which goes against the college's community standards.

Employer Sign Up for Handshake

Need more information? 

General employer inquiries and “How to post a job”: ocil@middlesex.mass.edu

Students having difficulty scheduling an appointment: Noreen Fantasia, fantasian@middlesex.mass.edu

Employers who would like to partner with MCC or hear more about Learn and Earn: Irina Case, casei@middlesex.mass.edu

Office of Career Integrated Staff:

Winny Oyamo-Twombly, Senior Director, oyamow@middlesex.mass.edu

Irina Case, Assistant Director
casei@middlesex.mass.edu

Katie Novick Nolan, Assistant Director
nolank@middlesex.mass.edu

Noreen Fantasia, Coordinator
fantasian@middlesex.mass.edu

Joshua Felch, Coordinator
felchj@middlesex.mass.edu

Monica Narm, Administrative Assistant narmm@middlesex.mass.edu

Last Modified: 2/29/24