Pathways & Possibilities

Where Exploration Meets Opportunity

Not Sure What You Want to Study? You’re Not Alone.

 

Many students arrive at college knowing they want something—but not exactly what yet. We’re here to support students as they explore majors and career paths, connect interests to real options, and build a plan that leads to opportunity. Whether your next step is an NCC major, transfer, or a career, we’re here to help you move forward with confidence and purpose.


What Interests You?

A helpful first step is figuring out what kinds of activities, topics, and problems interest you most. Understanding what motivates you and where your strengths lie can help you explore your options with greater focus and manageability.

 

One simple way to do that is through a short career interest survey called the RIASEC Career Interest Profile (sometimes called the “Holland Code”). Don’t worry about the name — it’s just a quick tool that helps you see patterns in what you enjoy.

 

You may have already taken it. If not, you can complete the short online assessment below. Answer yes or no to this quick series of questions and find out your top Interest categories: Realistic (R), Investigative (I), Artistic (A), Social (S), Enterprising (E), or Conventional (C).


Interpreting Your Results

Now that you have your top RIASEC codes, you can use this information to help you think about your future career options. 

  1. Ask yourself about your results. What feels accurate? What feels surprising? Where do you already see these strengths in your life?
  2. Click through the accordions below associated with your top codes. Click on a few programs, and take note of what sparks your interest. Remember: programs, just like people, are often connected to more than one RIASEC code. Explore whatever feels interesting to you, not just what feels like a perfect code match!
  3. Come back to this page to explore next steps, like scheduling a meeting with your advisor.

 

Find Your NCC Program Options

Once you know which of these six categories interest you most, expand the categories below to find majors and career training programs here at NCC that are best aligned with your interests.

If you have a strong R score, you likely appreciate a practical, hands-on approach and are well suited for a mechanical or athletic job. You may be interested in an NCC major or career training program that involves physical, mechanical, technical, or applied skillsets, such as:

A strong I score suggests that you are an analytical problem-solver. You like to watch and learn, then find the solution. You may be well suited to an NCC major that focuses on scientific inquiry, math, research, and deep analysis, like: 

If you score high in the A category, you are creative and expression-focused. You probably like to work in unstructured situations that allow you to think creatively. You might enjoy an NCC major that involves design, media, or performance, like:

A strong S score means you are very people oriented and enjoy helping others. NCC majors or career training programs that can set you on a path to working with people, rather than things, include:

Strong E scores indicate that you enjoy leadership roles. You also like to work with others, and would thrive in an environment where you can persuade and perform. NCC majors that can prepare you for roles in business management, marketing, entrepreneurship, and law include:

If you score strong in the C category, you are very organized and detail-oriented. You probably like working with data, and would thrive in a career where you can use systems analysis, planning, or administrative skills. NCC majors that would set you on this path include:


Still need help deciding?

If the majors listed under your interest areas don’t feel like the right fit, that’s completely okay! Think of this as a starting point for exploration — not a final decision.

 

Many students begin in General Studies while they take time to explore their interests, strengths, and goals.

 

If you’d like to keep exploring:

  1. Meet with your advisor to talk through potential majors, course options, and what to expect in different programs.
  2. Connect with Career Development to learn more about career paths, assessments, job outlook information, and hands-on exploration opportunities.

Choosing a direction is a process — and you don’t have to navigate it alone.


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Center for Career Development

The NCC Center for Career Development is your one-stop shop for career exploration, guidance, job shadows, internships, resume writing and interviewing skills.

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Academic Advising

Connect with an academic advisor to help you get on a path, and stay on a path to completion. Drop-in advising is available in the enrollment center if you need immediate assistance.

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Next Steps

With 120+ high-quality programs at a highly affordable cost, you can build specialized skills to advance in your career path — fast. And with flexible class formats and convenient locations, it's never been easier to join us.

Northampton Community College

Northampton Community College
3835 Green Pond Road
Bethlehem PA 18020
610.861.5300

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