Picking your major can feel like a defining moment. It might feel like you’re choosing your whole career with one decision. The truth is, you have options. Your major and career path are not a straight line, it probably looks more like a zig-zagging road, with many unnamed side streets. Yet, it’s drivable! The goal of your major is to pick a program that will help you build skills and experience – these will prepare you for future career.
Explore your interests
Maybe you’ve already tried a career and realized it’s not for you. Or maybe you chose your major because it promised a solid paycheck, but now you’re wondering if it’s really the right fit. Figuring out your interests out isn’t always easy. Long-term career satisfaction usually comes from aligning your work with your interests and strengths. So how do you make sure your major supports that?
Start by exploring these three career tools. They’ll help you connect your academic path to real opportunities:
• What Can I Do With This Major? is a website featuring 100 major profiles with info on common career paths, types of employers that hire in the field, and strategies to maximize opportunities.
• Visit: https://www.necc.mass.edu/academics/what-can-i-do-with-this-major/
• O*Net OnLine is a free resource for career exploration and job analysis.
• Visit: https://www.ONETonline.org
• MassHire Career Information System (MassCIS 360) is a comprehensive career information site provided by the state of Massachusetts. It includes a variety of career assessments to explore interests and values and other career-related topics.
• Visit https://portal.ma.cis360.org/
• Users can do a general login through the Massachusetts Resident tab but we recommend using the NECC User Login which will allow you to save and access results and not start over each time you visit.
• NECC User Login is Northernessexcc
• Use password MassHire2025 then choose “Create My Account” to set your own username and password.
Developing and showcasing your skills
Employers today aren’t just looking for a specific major — they’re looking for adaptable thinkers, problem-solvers, and communicators.
While some roles do require a particular degree, many hiring managers care more about the combination of your education, your skills, and your experience. The challenge? Communicating that value clearly and quickly. In today’s competitive job market, your resume needs to speak directly to the role. That means:
• Tailoring your resume to highlight the skills most relevant to the job.
• Using clear, concise language that shows how your experiences translate.
• Focusing on transferable skills like teamwork, leadership, or time management—especially if your major doesn’t directly match the job title.
Hiring committees often scan dozens of resumes in minutes. If yours is cluttered or vague, it might get skipped. Be bold. Be specific. Tell them exactly what you bring to the job.
If you’re not sure how to describe your skills or want to build new ones, LinkedIn Learning is a great place to start.
It offers short, practical courses on everything from resume writing to project management, and it’s free to NECC students.
• LinkedIn Learning is an online platform that provides video courses taught by industry experts in software, creative, and business skills to help you in your career development.
• Log in for free with your NECC student email: https://www.linkedin.com/learning/
Network to learn
Networking is about asking questions and making on-going connections – it isn’t about asking for a job. It’s about learning from people who’ve walked the path before you, understanding how companies work, and discovering what roles might fit your strengths and interests. Start by building genuine connections with classmates, professors, and professionals. These conversations can help you:
• Learn what a typical day looks like in a certain role.
• Understand what skills are valued in different industries.
• Hear real stories about career paths, challenges, and growth.
Use class assignments as opportunities to ask thoughtful questions. Your professor may ask you to interview someone for an assignment or you may have a guest speaker for class. Follow up with a thank-you note or message that shows appreciation and curiosity. You’re not pitching yourself; you’re building a relationship. Want to make some connections on your own? You can also explore professional communities online:
• Handshake is NECC’s career platform, where you’ll find internships, job postings, and events. It’s a great place to start connecting with employers and peers.
• Login with your NECC single sign-on by visiting: https://necc.joinhandshake.com/
• LinkedIn is a professional social network where you can follow companies, join industry groups, and reach out to alumni.
Start by creating a profile that highlights your interests and coursework. Don’t be afraid to connect with your NECC professors and staff to get started!
• Create a free account: https://www.linkedin.com/ Remember: The goal of networking isn’t to get something — it’s to learn something. The more you learn, the more prepared you’ll be when opportunities do come your way.
Appointments with Career Services
Want to talk about your major and career planning? Schedule a meeting with Career Services. Please visit Navigate to select a virtual or in-person meeting time: https://necc.campus.eab.com/
