Orange Coast Collage (Costa Mesa, Berkeley, Mesa: credit, job market, transfer to)

[Misuzu]

Hello everyone!
I'm planning to go to occ and I would like to know your opinions.
Did you study there? Could you easily work and study? After finishing collage did you find job without much problems?
And which academics would you recommend?

[e11310]

Growing up in OC, OCC had the rep as being "extended high school." Purely my opinion, but I would look for other options unless you live close to it and plan to use it as a temp school - keep the grades high and transfer to a UC. As an employer, and given todays competitive job market, I can't imagine most employers would look for kids from OCC when UCI, Vanguard, Chapman, and CSUF are all within the general area.

Off topic, but since you're asking for academics, I don't feel college is worth it these days unless you get some science based degree (engineering, biology, computer programming, etc). If you aren't sure what you want to do, I would recommend going to OCC and figuring out which of these sciences you like and then pursuing it - just try to keep costs down so you aren't bombed with debt when you graduate. This next statement is probably going to ruffle some feathers for people who did this, but most liberal arts degrees aren't going to be worth the paper it's printed on and won't make you any more employable to most employers. If you don't like sciences, I would just get into the line of work you want as an internship and work your butt off so you can get that career path started - don't wait until college is done, do it now. If you enjoy doing a trade, like carpentry or being a mechanic, go to a specialized school in that and you'll be employable when you graduate.

[lrmsd]

Here are yelp reviews:
Orange Coast College - Costa Mesa, CA | Yelp
You can search any college.
Also, OCC has google reviews if you want to search for those, too.
There are some very strong Jr. Colleges in the CA system.
Check the reviews for others in the area.
Depending on what you goal is, I think taking general ed courses is fine to do at most JC's in southern CA. There are a few that are not really recommended.

If you want a job with an AA degree, you must study something that is employable-a vocational training or computer training. However, many fields are saturated with too many qualified people and pay is not that high.
IT Help Desk, Graphic Design etc, are included in this. I think software development and programmers are still in high demand and paying well-but it depends on the specific area/software and technology, so you must research well! If you are open to moving out of area/state for work, you may find higher pay and more opportunities/less competition, depending on the field.

Google median salaries for different careers in so cal to get an idea. You need to spend some time researching majors and look up career guides. Each college campus will also have a career center and career counselors; you can ask them how to proceed and which fields have more opportunity at the moment.

If you want prestige, then make sure you take a CC track that lets you into UCLA, UCSD, Berkeley, etc., if you plan to finish your BA. If just doing two year program, look for the size of the department/program [ie, how many classes they offer each semester, how many faculty they have, etc. You can find this info on each school's website by searching class schedule and catalog]. Find out how long the program has been established and be sure there won't be any cuts in the future-you can simply email or call and ask. Popular programs will vary by school; the more classes and majors offered within a particular field or category, the more established the field is at that particular school.

[Captain-Jack]

Orange Coast Collage

And which academics would you recommend?

For you? Spelling 101.

[Misuzu]

Thank you guys for response and tips! I really appreciate!

[Teckeeee]

I went to OCC many years ago, but it was a bit like extended HS. Then I got serious, charted a plan, got the credits I needed to, and transferred to a UC school. CC to 4 year is a great way to save big $$$ and get the same sheepskin.

And yes I am one with a Liberal Arts degree that I completed in the 90's, would I go that route now, no. I would get a CS degree.

[som3on3_10]

OCC should be used as a stepping stone to get you to a CSU or UC. I actually would recommend going to OCC if you are not sure of what you want to do from a career standpoint yet. Much cheaper than what you would pay at a CSU or UC.