Contact Us
Lauren Skipper (left), HGTC Career Development Coordinator, and Chomp, HGTC’s Mascot.
HGTC Student receives assistance from Lauren Skipper (right), HGTC Career Development Coordinator, at the Career Fair in March 2024.
Danica Stone (right), HGTC Student, awarded First Place from Lauren Skipper (left), HGTC Career Development Coordinator, at the 2024 Digital Arts Student Showcase event.
Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) is proud to announce significant enhancements to its Career Services Department in the Student Affairs Division. Under the leadership of Lauren Skipper, HGTC Career Development Coordinator, the College is taking proactive steps to prepare students for successful careers after graduation.
Lauren Skipper, who stepped into the role after years of vacancy, has revitalized the Career Services office. Her mission? To empower students with practical skills and connections that bridge the gap between theory and practice. Her approach? As the proverb says, "If you give a man a fish, he eats for a day. If you teach a man to fish, he eats for a lifetime."
Why is it so important to learn how to fish? “It's not just about handing out answers; it's about equipping our students with the skills and mindset to navigate their career journey independently. Because when they can fish for themselves – when students can craft resumes, ace interviews, and forge their own paths – they are not just prepared for today; they are empowered for a lifetime of success,” Skipper explained.
Initiatives include:
Mock Interview Sessions: Industry-specific mock interviews provide students with real-world insights and immediate feedback, ensuring they shine in actual job interviews.
Interactive Classroom Presentations: From resume development to job fair preparation, Skipper’s presentations instill professional skills from day one of a student’s academic journey.
Collegewide Career and Transfer Events: Coordinated by Skipper and her team, these events connect students with employers and academic institutions, opening doors to diverse opportunities.
Professional Development Workshops: Equipping students with confidence and creativity, these workshops prepare them to navigate the competitive job market.
Digital Innovation: HGTC’s online job board, Handshake, launched in March 2024. This modern platform streamlines connections between students and potential employers, resulting in successful job placements.
Lauren Skipper shared her excitement about collaborating with faculty and industry partners: “Our Career Fair events have a successful history, and this fall, we’re expanding to industry-specific job fairs. Our goal is to create a meaningful experience with an outcome that directly benefits both students and employers.”
Over the past year, she has cultivated meaningful connections with community partners and faculty members who also empower students for success in future careers.
HGTC President, Dr. Marilyn Murphy Fore, emphasizes HGTC’s commitment to practical learning, successful transitions, and empowering students to navigate their professional journeys. The College’s mission centers around fostering capable, adaptable graduates who contribute meaningfully to their fields. “Nearly all our programs feature internships that lead to jobs. Ninety-five percent (95%) of our students either transfer to earn advanced degrees or start careers in their respective fields of study. Learning how to fish – equipping our students – is central to our mission,” Dr. Fore said.
“Career Services held a Resume Workshop with my class, explained the parts of a resume, and worked with us to improve ours. It is by far one of the best workshops I have attended since my enrollment at HGTC. This workshop in large part helped me prepare my resume and secured a post-graduation job for me,” said Domoniq Jackson, HGTC Golf & Sports Turf Management Graduate.
“Career Services at HGTC helps prepare students for the real world by making sure they understand how to successfully write a resume, cover letter, and prepare for an interview. In my personal experience, doing a mock interview with Lauren Skipper was very beneficial for me as I have never had an interview. It gave me a better understanding of what to expect in an interview and prepared me for upcoming interviews. Taking the time to go over resumes, cover letters, and mock interviews with Lauren was very beneficial to me as I graduate soon and can be for other students too," said Charleigh Watson-Foor, HGTC Occupational Therapy Assistant Student.
For more information, please contact Lauren Skipper, HGTC Career Development Coordinator, at career@hgtc.edu or visit www.hgtc.edu/current_students/career-services/.
Career Services is on the Conway Campus in the Student Affairs Office (Building 1100). Job Interview practice is by appointment only.