NCC Students Explore Career Pathways

Northampton Community College (NCC) students stepped beyond the classroom this winter with NCC’s Winter Job Shadow Program from January 12 – 16. Partnering with regional employers and campus departments, the program provided 151 student participants with meaningful exposure to professional environments while strengthening connections across the Lehigh Valley and beyond.  

Across industries ranging from architecture to media, education, and federal service, employers consistently described NCC students as professional and eager to learn. 

“Everyone had questions and were excited to learn the career paths that each staff member took to get where they currently are,” said Office Manager for SCF Architecture, LLC, Tracy Tsamoutalidis. Several students followed up their experience with professional thank-you emails — a gesture that stood out to employers and reflected their readiness to enter the workforce. 

At Turnstone Media, students impressed the team with their enthusiasm. “Every student we met through NCC was highly engaged,” said Content Producer, Rylee McGarrigle. “Because of their enthusiasm, we will be hosting another Camp Turnstone in the future.” 

For MKSD Architects, the experience continues to be meaningful year after year. “Hosting NCC students for the shadow is always an exciting event in our office,” said Project Architect, Peter Syzonenko. “We enjoy giving them a glimpse of the professional world through a welcoming and encouraging perspective.” 

The impact extended beyond observation. Following their shadow experience, students at some job sites such as Lehigh Valley Dual Language Charter School expressing interest in inviting participants back to explore internship opportunities. 

At Tobyhanna Army Depot, six NCC students received a comprehensive tour and in-depth overview of the organization’s mission and career pathways. Geovany Garcia, a chemical engineering student, shared, “The experience helped me better understand how my career path could develop within the Department of War and how my professional goals could align with the mission of the organization.” Events like the Winter Job Shadow Program help strengthen community partnerships, connect students with workforce opportunities, and support regional economic growth. 

The program also highlighted opportunities within NCC itself. Housing & Residence Life and Career Services participated as host departments, demonstrating how on-campus roles contribute to student development and institutional success. Organizers noted that departmental participation can have a meaningful impact on students exploring potential career paths. 

Longstanding employer partners continue to see value in the collaboration. “This marks our third year partnering with NCC for the Job Shadow Program,” said Project Manager at Altitude Marketing, Ziera Wolf. “It’s a meaningful opportunity to connect with emerging talent and give students a behind-the-scenes look at what a career in B2B marketing can look like.” 

Through experiential learning, networking, and real-world insight, NCC’s Winter Job Shadow Program continues to bridge education and employment — empowering students to connect their academic experiences with their future careers. See a list of all employers that participated in the 2026 winter shadow program below. 

ABEC, Inc. 
Albea 
Altitude Marketing 
Ascend Counseling Services, Inc. 
Turnstone Media 
Boys & Girls Club of Bethlehem 
Camelback Resort 
Country Meadows Retirement Communities 
Country Meadows Retirement Communities of Forks 
Givnish Life Celebration 
HNL Lab Medicine 
Julabo USA, Inc. 
Kalahari Resorts and Conventions 
Lehigh Valley Dual Language Charter School 
Lehigh Valley Public Media 
Lutron Electronics 
LVHN, part of Jefferson Health 
MCIT 
McKinney Media 
Messer Americas 
Meyer Jabara Hotels 
MIAC Analytics 
MKSD Architects 
Monroe County Children and Youth 
NCC Center for Career Development 
NCC Housing and Residence Life 
NEPA Business Technologies  
Netizen Corporation 
Pennsylvania State Police, Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement 
SCF Architecture, LLC 
Shawnee Mountain 
St. Luke's University Health Network 
Social T Marketing & PR 
Tobyhanna Army Depot 
United Envelope 
We See Productions 
Weiler Abrasives