By: Rami Mansi
On Dec. 9, a parked brown truck began delivering freshly poured cups of hot chocolate to all who came up to its window. The car came from the New York City Department of Citywide Administrative Services (NYC DCAS). DCAS is responsible for providing training for all NYC government employees, and they visited Brooklyn College (BC) to encourage students to apply for the jobs available.
In attendance was the Commissioner of DCAS, Louis A. Molina, who spoke with the Vanguard regarding this collegiate visit.
“[NYC DCAS] has thousands of vacancies in the city job market, and what [DCAS] has done is set up a website and host these hiring halls because we realize that some individuals need some navigation about finding job opportunities.”
Commissioner Molina continued, emphasizing the importance of reaching students in inner-city schools.
“To young people, we want you to be part of the change you want to see in New York City, and part of that change comes from services that we provide to city residents.”
Many of the available jobs had representatives who helped prospective students explore their opportunities. One of these speakers is Alyssa Jones, Program Coordinator for the NYC Teaching Fellows program, who spoke about the importance of allowing prospective educators to obtain certification through alternative routes.
“There are career changers who want to pursue teaching, who do not have a current degree in education; then the teaching fellows program would be an alternative certification program.”
Jones encouraged future educators to observe classrooms and lessons, taking in what they would learn in a classroom, but in practice.
“Reach out to the schools in your local neighborhood and ask if you can maybe sit in on the class for one day[…] See the classroom in action, ask your questions, and be open-minded.”
Encouraged by workers to visit the truck and scan the QR code for the definitive list of available job opportunities, students were guided by workers on Campus Rd. to the brown truck for a free cup of hot chocolate.
Commissioner Molina stated that the job opportunities presented are across multiple fields, including taxi and commission services, education, and more.
“We’re recruiting for New York City public school teachers. We’re recruiting for assistant school safety agents. We’re also looking for laxi and limousine commission, and enforcement officers.” We have a number of opportunities where you can call us, go to our website, and somebody will call you. ”
To learn more about NYC DCAS, visit their official website or call 212-386-5000.