How many times have you heard someone say, "I don't know what career to pursue"? Many students entering college are uncertain about what degree they want to pursue, let alone what they will be doing upon graduation.
You may be an adult student who wants to change your career and need advice on how to get started. We offer a number of resources to help you explore career options and get started on the right path. Best of all, NPC Career Services are FREE.
Browse through the resources listed below. If you still have questions or need more help submit the help request form below.
You can also find recorded webinars and other resources on career exploration and job search on the Career Services Moodle page. If you are not an NPC student, you can login as a guest.
Career Exploration and Planning
Exploring the following resources can help you figure out what career might work best for you.
- NPC Areas of Study
- NPC's Career Quiz
- Career One Stop
- O*Net Online – Interest Profiler | Find Occupations | What do you want to do for a living?
- Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Informational Interviews & Job Shadowing
- Virtual Career Events - Many employers use distance technology such as Skype to schedule virtual information or interview sessions with potential job candidates. See the NPC Career Services calendar for any upcoming events.
- Volunteering
Job Search
Once you have made your career selection, you will need the following items to look for a job.
- Résumé
- Cover Letter
- References
- Interviewing Skills
- Job Search Tracking
- Register on NPC Jobs Connection to post your resume, search for jobs, and find out about announcements on employer campus visits, workshops, etc.
Experiential Education
According to the Association of American Colleges & Universities, experiential learning and field experiences play a vital role in helping to coalesce theory and practice through hands-on natural experiences. Imparting students with the ability to successfully apply what they learn in the classroom in practical settings is a fundamental goal of education. Experiential programs provide the vehicle for participants to interact with their lessons first- hand in a way that would not be as meaningful by simply reading material or hearing a lecture.
Northland Pioneer College has many programs and learning opportunities that practice this method. Example: Nursing Assistant and Early Childhood Education. This approach is student-focused and not teacher-centered. Group activities, project-based learning and outdoor experiences and outings support student engagement and learning. The experiential approach builds relationship skills, critical thinking and self-confidence as well as curriculum-based knowledge and skill growth.
- Also see the NPC Internship Manual
Federal Work-Study
If you are a currently enrolled NPC student and qualify for Federal Financial Aid, you may be eligible to get an NPC work study position. Students must complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and have a completed file at the NPC Financial Aid Office. NPC work study positions help students:
- Who need employment income and who can benefit from the work experience.
- Develop good work habits in preparation for entering the workforce.
- Provide valuable employment opportunities.
See a complete list of currently open NPC FWS positions.
