Career Counseling

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Career Counseling

The Anoka-Ramsey counseling team celebrates diversity.  We are dedicated to ensuring an inclusive, equitable, person-centered counseling experience for everyone.

The process of career development can be exciting and overwhelming. Like many worthwhile endeavors, it is important to take it one step at a time. Counselors are available to with work with you through the entire career exploration process.

Not currently enrolled students:

If you are not a current student at Anoka-Ramsey Community College, please schedule an appointment with a counselor to get started with career exploration.

Current students:

We are excited to offer Focus2 as a career exploration option for currently enrolled students.

Getting Started With Focus 2

FOCUS 2 is a self-guided career, major and education planning system designed to guide you through the steps of the career planning process. You can use FOCUS 2 at any stage of your education and career planning according to your personal needs. Start with any feature, repeat a feature if desired and use the system as an ongoing resource. All your results are saved and accessible in your FOCUS 2 Portfolio.

Suggestions for First Time Users

  • Begin with My Career Planning Readiness to understand the career planning process.
  • Learn about yourself using the Self-Assessments. Discover majors and occupations that match your personal attributes.
  • Explore Major Areas of Study that match your interests and support your career goals.

Suggestions for Returning Users

  • Use for ongoing career exploration.
  • Begin to solidify your career plans.
  • If applicable, begin thinking about advanced education and training.
  • Explore future options for transitioning into specialized occupations.

Getting the Most out of Focus 2 

  • Use Focus 2 on any device; Computers, phones, tablets.
  • Save occupations and major areas of study that appeal to you as you are working through the different sections.

A good strategy after using Focus 2 is to think about your results and discuss your ideas with a counselor. Be sure to continue to use Focus 2 as an ongoing resource.

Anoka-Ramsey Community College Counseling Services

  • Jill Harrison, 763 433-1242

    Rapids Campus

    I am blessed every day as a Counselor at Anoka-Ramsey. I most enjoy being a listening ear and connecting with students to provide support and encouragement in their life challenges and inspire them to find and follow their purpose in life.

    Liz IversonLiz Iverson, 763 433-1234

    Rapids Campus

    I love being a counselor at Anoka-Ramsey because it gives me an opportunity to be a part of students’ journeys in success. I am passionate about helping students get energized and become aware of their inner strengths. I am a life-long learner and am always being taught life-lessons by the students I am blessed to work with.

    Linnea JanasLinnea Janas, 763 433-1903

    Cambridge Campus

    I am so grateful to have the opportunity to work as a Counselor at ARCC. As a first-generation college student who struggled with navigating the college experience I am passionate about helping students find their way in such an exciting and challenging time in their lives.

    Michelle MuchaMichelle Mucha, 763 433-1128

    Rapids Campus

    What is so exciting about being a counselor is the different people I encounter and learn from every day. Everyone comes with different life experiences and when a student takes the step to reach out for assistance I am so appreciative to have the privilege of working with them, learning from them and helping them accomplish their goals.

  • By Phone: 763-433-1100

    Online:
    Cambridge Campus
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    Coon Rapids Campus
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    Walk-In Appointments

    Walk-in appointments are intended to be short, 15 minute appointments or for students in crisis.

    • Coon Rapids Campus: Available Monday through Thursday from 12 to 1 pm in person or by phone or zoom
    • Cambridge Campus: Based on counselor availability
    • Please call 763-433-1100 to connect for a walk-in

    For non-emergency questions or to request and after hours appointment, email counseling@anokaramsey.edu

  • There are three easy ways to start exploring career options.

    1. Explore resources on your own using our career information and online tools for research

    2. Register for two different Career Exploration Courses:
      • CAOR 1100 Career Exploration Workshop (1 Credit) focused on self-exploration and occupational research
      • CAOR 1102 Career Exploration (2 Credits) focused on self-exploration, occupational research and job search strategies.

    3. Career Assessments are a great first step in discovering what careers might be a good fit for you. If you would like to take a career assessment, please make an appointment to meet with a counselor.
      • Myers-Briggs Type Indicator
        The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator is a self-assessment tool designed to identify a person’s personality type, strengths and preferences.
      • Strong Interest Inventory Profile Report, College Edition
        The Strong Interest Inventory is a career self-assessment tool designed to measure one’s interest to help in choosing a career or college major.

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