Eastern Oregon University > Faculty > New Career Services Center up and running

New Career Services Center up and running

New Career Services Center up and running

News contact: Laura Hancock | University Advancement
541-962-3585 or lhancock@eou.edu

March 17, 2015

Justin Chin, director of Career Services, shares information on a job lead with EOU student Matt Muritok.

Justin Chin, director of EOU’s Career Services Center, shares information on a job lead with student Matt Muritok.

LA GRANDE, Ore. (EOU) – As director of Eastern Oregon University’s new Career Services Center, Justin Chin has his sights set on creating a pipeline connecting students with potential employers.

Chin joined EOU March 9 and began his career coaching day one consulting with students, faculty and staff, WorkSource Oregon representatives and receiving referrals.

Meeting the needs of this year’s class of graduating seniors and “giving them a game plan” is his immediate focus.

“I can tell there is a lot of excitement,” Chin said. “This region is an untapped resource ripe for employers and we’re building a presence in the community for career services.”

Union County is the only ACT Certified Work Ready Community in Oregon, which is compelling motivation to turn EOU into a valued source for companies and organizations looking to hire.

“Bringing work source opportunities to campus and connecting students with state and federal programs will make the area stronger,” Chin said. “Combining resources is also important for customized recruitment, and we want to turn EOU into that talent pool.”

Located on the first floor of Inlow Hall, the center and its services are open to anyone – students and the public alike – including Career Services Online (CSO) software that helps students connect with employers and vice versa.

Chin envisions the center as a welcoming and student-centered space where people will want to come to, he said. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Prior to accepting the position at EOU, Chin worked as a student success specialist and career coach for the Certification Acceleration to Support Employment grant program at Linn-Benton Community College in Albany.

He also taught high school English in Dallas, Ore. for 12 years and was an Upward Bound instructor at Western Oregon University in Monmouth for three years.

A first-generation college graduate, Chin completed a bachelor’s in English and master’s in teaching from Western Oregon University.

For more information visit www.eou.edu/career.