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The College of Central Florida officially opened the new Center for Career Development on Tuesday, with the help of the Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership (CEP). Afterward, local business leaders, student, faculty and staff toured the facility and met the new 91��Ƭ Patriots mascot.

“At 91��Ƭ, our goal is not only to help students earn a degree or credential, but to prepare them for what comes next,” said Dr. Jim Henningsen, 91��Ƭ president. “This center represents our commitment to connecting our students with the tools, guidance, and opportunities they need to succeed in today’s workforce.”

The new center, which is located in the Enterprise Center on the 91��Ƭ Ocala Campus, provides students with immersive career exploration tools, networking opportunities with local employers and connections to internships.

With Henningsen’s encouragement, several visitors tried out virtual reality headsets, which students will use to explore different careers, practice work readiness skills and even practice industry-specific skills in fields like health sciences and advanced manufacturing.

Henningsen also recognized Fastenal and Dan Livingston, a district sales manager with the company, for the company’s support of the Connection Hub by Fastenal.

“This room gives students, faculty and employers a place to meet, and network; to host employer meetings; and conduct mock interviews,” Henningsen said.

Matt McCormick, president and CEO of the CEP, said he was excited to celebrate what the new Center for Career Development would bring to the community.

“91��Ƭ, time and time again, steps up to help our students, whether they’re in high school, whether they’re here on campus, they help our students and our community to find pathways to prosperity,” McCormick said. “This is another example of that.”

The center is also home to 91��Ƭ’s professional clothing closet, which provides students with free attire suitable for job interviews. Community members who would like to donate professional attire to the closet can contact CareerServices@cf.edu.

Attendees also learned about Handshake, the college’s career platform that provides direct connection between employers seeking candidates and students and alumni looking for jobs and internships.