Career Snapshotsbook

SALC
Springfield Adult Learning Center
1
Career Snapshots!
A quick guide to college majors and career paths.
Presented by the Adult Education Center’s
VISTA/Volunteer Support Specialist
Created April 2015

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Table of Contents:
1) Overview
2) Business (2 pages)
3) Communications *
4) Criminal Justice *
5) Engineering/manufacturing
6) Health Care * (2 pages)
7) Hospitality*
8) Political Science*
9) Psychology
10) Certificate or Degree- what should you aim for in college?
11) Volunteering
* This is a field that your volunteer coordinator can help get you volunteer
experience in.

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*Disclaimer and Overview*
This book was put together to help you (the student) work with your advisors to
gain a base understanding of the fields listed. This guide is Massachusetts based,
that means most of the links and colleges listed are for organizations in
Massachusetts. Whenever possibleI tried to limit resources to the greater
Springfield area.
However there are links to nationwide organizations and colleges outside of
Massachusetts.
This guide was created to reflect the most common majors/careers of interest as
identified by currentABE students, it is not meant to be a comprehensiveguide,
rather this guide serves to touch on the bigger elements of these fields and to
open you up to new ideas/ career paths within those fields that you may not have
considered.
Whenever possiblethe sources fromwhich the information provided is pulled
fromare referenced, as are descriptions to the links.
Once you find a field that interests you and would like to get more information,
websites have been provided to you, this is to allow for research and exploration
on your own. Please contact the college’s mentioned for information on their
programs. Thestaff in the Adult Education office will happily get you in touch with
STCC faculty in these fields.
The career pathways/and workforcereadiness staff willalso help you if you are
interested in getting work or volunteer experience in any of these fields.
Enjoy!
Pam Majidy
Volunteer Support Specialist/VISTA Aug 2014- Aug 2015

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What to do with a degree in Business?
When in college Business majors will study the buying, selling, and producing of
goods, as well as business organization and accounting. They learn how to use the basic
principles and techniques of business management in a variety of workplaces. Here are some
career paths that are the most popular for a business major.
 Business Administration- This is a course of study at a college or university that
teaches the basic principles of how a business is managed, organized and the practices
found within to encourage growth. While in school you will study business ethics, law,
and marketing.
 Marketing- Is the business of promoting and selling products or services, including
market research and advertising. Marketing is systematic process that is supported
by research to identify trends in peoples buying and selling. Market research helps
identify who your product should be geared to, its data helps lead to a mutually
beneficial exchange of goods. This leads to advertising.
 Advertising-paid, public, non-personal announcement of a persuasive message
by an identified sponsor; the non-personal presentation or promotion by a firm
of its products to its existing and potential customers. (market.about.com)
 Sales- are just that, the amount of revenue generated from a successful
exchange of goods.
 Public Administration- This is a function of the government. Employees in this field
can work in a variety of these subfields-public policy, public finance, program
development, public relations or labor relations.
 Bachelor's degree programs prepare students for entry-level careers working
with government agencies or non-profit organizations.
 Master's degree programs prepare students for management-level positions
where they develop and implement public programs. Doctorate degrees are
usually focused on the academic study of public policy and public administration.
(http://learn.org/articles/What_is_Public_Administration.html)
 Accounting-This is the process of identifying, measuring and communicating
economic information to permit informed judgments and decisions by users of the
information (American Accounting Association www.aaahq.org).”
 Certified Public Account- (http://www.bls.gov/ooh/Business-and-
Financial/Accountants-and-auditors.htm). They prepare financial documents that
are required by law. Work done includes examining financial records, filing of and
taxes for a business or individual.

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 Managerial accounts- work for private organizations or companies, they keep on
top of the financial information.
 Internal auditors- find ways to reduce spending for a company, they also work to
reduce fraud.
 Economics- The study of consumer goods, economist’s study how to maximize
resources, market trends, how taxes affect society, how to avoid recessions or
depressions. Economists can work in banking, government agencies (such as the
Federal Reserve), Insurance and in public policy.
 Financial Services- are services provided by the finance industry, which encompasses
a broad range of organizations that manage money, including credit unions, banks,
and credit card companies to name a few.
 Financial Officer- They can manage banks, credit unions and other financial
institutions
 Financial Advisor- They helps individuals manage their money in terms of
investing it. They will also engage in financial planning (budgeting, saving and
spending).
For additional information: visit the links referenced above. Also check out some of the
department pages at top four business schools in the country such as: Babson College
http://www.babson.edu, Bentley University http://www.bentley.edu, Bryant College and
Brown University.
To gain experience some ideas of a good place to start are- getting a job as a bank teller,
volunteer at a non-profit, take a course for free in fundraising ( at a library or area nonprofit) or
other financial skills- budgeting, investing etc.

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Communications as a career
What is communications? It is the study of how people communicate. The channels we use and
how we receive and send out information to others. Some common fields are marketing and
public relations Highlighted below are some of the most popular career paths and their focuses
in this field.
 Broadcasting
 Production- This includes all aspects of creating and airing a television show or
news cast.
o Producer- one who finances a production
o Production Assistant- does the research for a news segment
 Director-they coordinate the elements of what goes into a show, from where
people should stand or what lines should be cut from a script.
 Writing/Editing- writers provide the scripts for anyone who will be speaking in
front of a camera; editors fix and remove filmed scene to create the final version
of a show or film. They also fix the sound.
 Journalism- is the occupation of writing for newspapers or magazines or of broadcasting
news on radio or television. Journalists or reporters will go out “in the field” to research and
collect stories, these individuals can be found recording segments for new shows,
interviews for TV shows or writing down details for an event.
 Advertising- the branding and market appeal of a business or product through commercial
or print ads.
 Account Manager- they are the “go-between” between a client and firm ( of
who they represent), they coordinate with all departments to meet clients
budgets, time and vision, they in turn will present ‘the pitch’ to the client for
them to accept or decline.
 Creative Department- they work to bring the vision of the client to life.
o Copywriters and Art directors- they produce what the creative team
presents to them.
 Media Department- they are in charge of placing the product. They will purchase
ad space in a newspaper or magazine or air time.
Less Common career path:
 Education- communications majors can contribute a lot to the success of students at the
elementary or secondary levels.
 Speech Pathologist (requires a master’s degree) they assess, diagnose, treat, and
help to prevent communication and swallowing disorders in patients.

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 Language arts coordinator- they provide support to schools so that all children
learn to read, comprehend and write at their grade level. They also help develop
curriculum.
 High School Speech and Forensics Debate Coach- They work in schools as
teachers who train and lead a debate team. They help prepare arguments,
conduct research and how to study your opponents.
 New Media
Social Media as a career? Forbes Magazine offers some insight
http://www.forbes.com/sites/carriekerpen/2013/07/25/is-social-media-a-career/
So what is “new media”? It is the mixing and use of social networking technology to advance a
company, organization or a person’s existence to keep them at the front of their respective
fields. This includes creating a “web presence” and attracting an online following, and serving as
the brand representative.
I ‘tweet’ and use Instagram, does that count? It’s a good start but studying this field in college,
referred to sometimes as “Social Marketing” is something to consider. Here you will study a mix
of technology/ communications, psychology and law, journalism and data. You will learn about
the how of using technology along with ethics, and state and federal laws concerning privacy
and intellectual property.
What are some colleges that offer this? ITT Technical Institute -http://www.itt-
tech.edu/programs/; Full Sail University- http://www.fullsail.edu/online-education/programs ;
Newbury College-
http://www.newberry.edu/academics/areasofstudy/artsandcommunications/socialmedia.aspx
What do I need? Employers look for social fluency beyond Facebook and twitter. This means
being able to transition between various site and how to best use them together to achieve
desired results. Experience customizing branded accounts, experience picking stories from
social streams, understanding what is used to measure engagement/traffic on various websites,
ability to write in a way that is brief yet informative and interesting.
How do I get there? A good place to start is to build a “skill resume” on the various websites
you use and how you use them. Being able to explain the differences between sites and how
you managed to attract and keep any followers you may have. Keep on top of your ‘web
presence’. Learn about technology beyond your smartphone and the apps on it. Getting an
internship or gaining volunteer experience in this field is a good idea too.
Created with support from: http://web.olivetcollege.edu/CareerDev/communication.htm and
http://www.pdx.edu/careers/what-can-I-do-with-a-degree-in-communication

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Criminal Justice as a Career
What is criminal justice? It is the practical application of criminology- which is the
theoretical study of crime and the psychological makeup of those who commit crimes and
those who have been victims of crimes. Criminal Justice is composed of three sections:
 Law Enforcement- This branch executes the law, and they maintain public safety.
Those serving in this branch are involved in the prevention, detection and
investigation of crime and the apprehension of guilty persons.
a. there are three levelsof Law Enforcement-
 Local- police orsheriff’sdept.
 State-policeand/ortroopers
 Federal- USMarshalls,Defense Dept.<USmilitary>,DEA/ATF,andHomeland
Security,FBI.
 Judicial-This branch defines the laws and the legal rights of US citizens and non-
citizens. They administer the laws to law enforcement agencies. They also serve to
defend and amend the constitution.
a. There are two court systems in the US-
 State ( the highest being the superior court) and
 Federal (the highest being the Supreme Court http://www.uscourt.gov)
b. There are two types of law in the US-
 Civil (includes- marriage laws, property and real estate, child care,
employment)
 Criminal (covers juvenile justice, anyone who commits a misdemeanor or
felony, clarifies the index crimes and other acts of criminal behaviors).
 Corrections-This branch is responsible for the confinement and rehabilitation of those
convicted of offenses against the law, includes the monitoring and holding those
suspected of a crime and awaiting trial. This branch includes- halfway houses, probation
and parole programs, as well as jails and prisons (Federal bureau of Prisons
http://www.bop.gov).
What can you do in this field?
A) Forensic Science- in simple terms these individuals look at the science behind crimes.
(Adapted from the American Academy of Forensic Scientists http://www.aafs.org/).
 Crime Scene Investigation (http://www.crime-scene-
investigator.net/index.html), Crime labs (American Society of Crime lab
Directors http://www.ascld.org/).

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B) Court Systems- From judges, to clerks, interpreters and advocates many ways to work in this
branch- learn more here: http://www.mass.gov/courts/
c) Corrections- as mentioned above this involves prison, and jails as well as community
correction programs. Offender programs ( sex offender registry and monitoring), Victim
services, Officer Support programs, There are also many ‘non-glamourous’ roles such as human
resources, IT, administration to name a few. Check out- Mass Executive Office of Public Safety
and Security-http://www.mass.gov/eopss/agencies/doc/.
d) Law Enforcement- Naturally include the police force- but there is so much more. Firefighters
and other first responders, private security, administration, investigation services.
e) Federal Agencies- They hold jurisdiction across the USA and have the authority to make
arrests. Special rules do apply when crossing international boarders and tribal areas. (US. Dept.
of Justice http://www.justice.gov).
What will you study? All students no matter what your filed will study the introduction to the
Criminal Justice field. You may also study sociology, psychology, statistics, computer science,
public speaking chemistry and biology depending on your focus. You will learn how to write
and interpret reports. How to conduct research and present that research.
*To Know*: Keep in mind that crime dramas on TV are engaging scripted takes on the field. If
law enforcement is your goal remember that much of police work is comprised of desk work
and submitting reports- of which they have to do from every traffic stop to house call they
make. Educational outreach also is a part of their job. Be careful not to base your career and
college goals for this field off of what you see portrayed on TV.

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Building a career in Engineering/ Manufacturing/Architecture
 Engineering
What is engineering? This is a branch of science and technology that uses the
application of scientific, economic, social, and practical knowledge that is concerned
with the design, building, maintenance, research, and improvement of
infrastructures, machines, devices, systems, engines, materials and processes.
Engineers apply the main beliefs of mathematics and the laws of natural science to
explore, design, develop and create improvements that benefit humanity.
Some Types:
 Civic Engineers- design, construct, supervise, operate, and maintain large construction
projects and systems, including roads, buildings, airports, tunnels, dams, bridges, and
systems for water supply and sewage treatment. (http://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-
and-engineering/civil-engineers.htm)
 Mechanical Engineers- Mechanical engineers design, develop, build, and test mechanical
and thermal devices, including tools, engines, and machines.
(http://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/mechanical-engineers.htm)
 Environmental engineers- Environmental engineers use the principles of engineering,
soil science, biology, and chemistry to develop solutions to environmental problems.
They are involved in efforts to improve recycling, waste disposal, public health, and
water and air pollution control. (http://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-
engineering/environmental-engineers.htm)
 Manufacturing
What is manufacturing? The production of merchandise for use or sale using labor
and machines, tools, chemical and biological processing, or
design. (http://www.bls.gov/iag/tgs/iag31-33.htm#about)
Sub-industries:
 Textile- converting a basic fiber (natural or synthetic) into a product, such as yarn or
fabric that is further manufactured into usable items, such as apparel, sheets, towels.
 Paper goods- From printer paper, to paper towels, napkins etc.
 Plastic and Metals-
 Transportation- the auto industry is a prime example. This includes the design and
production of new models.
 Architecture

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What is architecture? They plan and design structures such as buildings, houses and schools.
They also visit construction sites to supervise the process of turning these designs into a
reality. They can be consultants in urban planning as well. They follow all city zoning laws
and rules (such as being accessible to the handicap), and fire codes.
Getting into the field:
How to get there? Getting a degree in one of these fields is a great place to start! Also seek out
training programs such as jobcorps.gov or HVAC.
o Springfield Technical Community College http://www.stcc.edu
o Worcester Polytechnic Institute- http://www/wpi.edu
o ITT Technical Institute- Norwood, MA http://www.itt-
tech.edu/campus/school.cfm?lloc_num=52
Outside of MA:
o Roger Williams University- Bristol, RI http://www.rwu.edu

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A Career inHealthCare
 Nursing- The ANA (American Nurses Association) defines nursing as: “the protection,
promotion, and optimization of health and abilities, prevention of illness and injury,
alleviation of suffering through the diagnosis and treatment of human response, and
advocacy in the care of individuals, families, communities, and populations.”
1)Nurse Educator- They are the faculty as part of an accredited program and school that train
and teach future nursing students that wish to seek employment under the ‘nursing umbrella’.
That is all the functions and roles that one would find in this such as the ones featured below.
(http://www.aacn.nche.edu/education-resources/nursing-education-programs)
2) Registered Nurse (RN) - performs under direction of a medical doctor, they help perform
physical exams, collect health history and prep the patient. They also provide health education
and counseling. They interpret data to the doctor and make decisions on needed action. Also
among their tasks they coordinate care and supervise other health professionals.
Other Options: Certified Nurse’s Aide (STCC Certificate program),Certified Nurse’s Assistant
(CNA), Patient Care Technician, Hospice Care provider, Nurse Practioner
 Health Care Administration- Administrators help plan, coordinate and facilitate in the
management of a health center. They supervisor the medical staff and the care of patients.
1) Nursing home administrators- manage staff, admissions, finances, and care of the building,
as well as care of the residents in nursing homes. All states require them to be licensed;
licensing requirements vary by state.
2) Clinical managers –Oversee a specific department, such as nursing, surgery, or physical
therapy, and have responsibilities based on that specialty. Clinical managers set and carry out
policies, goals, and procedures for their departments; they evaluate the quality of the staff’s
work, and develop reports and budgets.
3) Medical Billing and Coding- A medical coder’s job to translate the healthcare provider’s
report of a patient’s visit into numeric or alphanumeric code, which in turn is used by the
medical biller to make a bill, or “claim,” for the insurance company and determine the
appropriate charge for the patient. This is an integral part of all health fields.
Some other professions to consider:
Alternative Medicine: Acupuncture and Acupressure, Herbalist, Reiki, Massage Therapy
Clinical Laboratory Science Professions: Blood Bank Specialist (Phlebotomy), Clinical Laboratory
Sciences, Audiology and Hearing Sciences, Speech-Language Pathology
Additional fields- Diet and Nutrition, Optometry (eye doctor), physician, physician’s assistant.

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Periodontal- Dentist, Hygienist, orthodontist, oral and maxiofacial surgery
How to become a healthcare professional:
Volunteering at a hospital or health care facility is a great way to expose yourself to the field,
make contact and gain relevant and marketable skills (i.e. Job related training) for schooling and
a career.
- Bay State Medical Center*
http://www.baystatehealth.org/Baystate/Main+Nav/About+Us/Volunteer
- American Red Cross* http://www.redcross.org/support/volunteer
- Senior Care Facilities
- Shriners Children’s Hospital*
http://www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/locations/springfield/volunteer
- Community Health Centers
- Community Health Corps- An AmeriCorps program*
While in College: You will most likely be registered as “Pre-med” which is a set course of study
that helps to prepare you for the MCAT (Medical College Admissions Test). Upon passing you
can successfully be admitted and enrolled in a certified or an accredited program (such as those
here at STCC)
Some courses you will have to study- Anatomy, Biology, Chemistry, Physics (require
mathematics) and English,
Nursing: Obtain a diploma from a recognized nursing program or hospital to receive an
associate’s degree in nursing (ADN – a two-year program) or a bachelor’s degree. Pass the
National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN), or for Practical
Nurses (NCLEX-PN).
Alternative Health Fields- learn about those field- read publications such as “whole living”, “
natural health magazine”, attend holistic health fairs such as the “Natural Living Expo”
http://naturalexpo.org/, or attend a session at a specialists office-
http://www.bodymindspiritdirectory.org/MA.html.
*the volunteer coordinator has applications in office
Sources:
Bureauof laborStatistics- Occupational outlookHandbook-
http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/home.htm
Healthand HumanServicesAdministration http://www.hhs.gov/careers
National Institute of HealthStudentOpportunities-
https://www.training.nih.gov/programs/ugsp
AmericanNursingAssociationhttp://www.ana.org
Associationof AmericanMedical Colleges http://www.aamc.org/students
AmericanDental Associationwww.ada.org

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Hospitality- “A fieldtofeel at home with”.
What is hospitality?
As a career-the hospitalityindustryis luxury-based,itreferstothe managementof
hotels/resorts,cruise lines,entertainmentvenuesandrestaurantsitalsoincludesthe
promotingof travel/tourism.
As a college/universitymajor-itreferstothe studyof the hospitalityindustryandits
managementneeds.
Where can I go inthisfield?
 Hotel Management:Some areasof focus- guestservices,spa/recreation,finance,management,
corporate,commercial services
- Managers alsoworkwithhotel developersandownerstoensure theykeeptheirstarratings,
have highlevelsof guestsatisfactionetc.Inadditionaltooverseeinghotel personnel theyalsoworkto
promote theirhotel (viacommercial ortravel sites<think ExpediaorTravelocity>).
 Restaurant Management: Some areasof focus- corporate,independent,catering,commercial.
- Justas hotel managersdo,restaurantmanagersalsosee to the day-to-dayoperationsof
theirbusiness.Managersare responsibleforthe hiringandtrainingof staff,approvingthe
menu,maintainingsafetyandhealthstandardsaswell asworkingwiththe staff togenerate
revenue.
 Culinary- Thisfield buildsthe backboneof restaurantmanagementanda large aspectof the hotel
management.CulinaryArtsisthe knowledgeof food- how toprepare,cookandhandle food.
 Foodservice managementhere youwill learnhow toplana menu,how a kitchenisorganized,
foodsafety(includespreparation,andhandling,andinspectingequipmentusedinthe process),
hiringof kitchenstaff.
-Holyoke CommunityCollegehasaculinaryarts certificate program, Le CordonBleuinBoston
are towgood programsto lookinto.
-Subfields-BakingandPastryArts(cakesetc.),Confectionary(candymaking),bartending
 Travel and Tourism: This fieldis huge andgrowingascountries,statesandcitieseverywhere work
to improve theirpublicimage orcreate one fromscratch. The tourismindustryisabillionaire dollar
one (includesairlines).
 International Travel-TheUSDepartmentof Commerce workswith othergovernments
throughitsInternational Trade AdministrationIndustry&AnalysisOfficeanditsNational
Travel & TourismOffice;togethertheyreduce barrierstotravel aswork withotherfederal
officestomake thishappen.
o International Affairs,PublicRelations,USandForeignPolicy- theseare all related
focusesof thissubfield.
 DomesticTravel (Withinthe USA) - Travelingwithinthe UShelpstosupportlocal and state
economiesbythe promotionof local andnational landmarks.

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 State Tourismand Commerce- Eachstate has itsown tourismdepartment,toincrease
visitationandrevenuefromoutof state businessesandindividuals.
How do I getthere?
Career-track- One waytoget intothisfieldistoobtaina “firsttier”job inplacessuch as the MassMutual
Center,ora hotel,lookintobecomingawaitressorwaiter,workina gym or for a travel agency.
College Track- Anotherwayinisto choose togo to college- Here are several schoolsinMassachusetts
that offerthismajor:Marian Court College- Swampscott,MA;FisherCollege-Boston,MA;NorthShore
CommunityCollege- Danvers,MA;SalemState University- Salem, MA,andBunkerHill Community
College- Boston,MA.
o What will Istudy?Finance,management,accounting,organizational behavior, interpersonal
communicationstoname a fewcourses.
o Skill building(forculinaryarts) - take a culinarycourse,retail storessuchas“Sur la Table”and
Williams-SonomaandStonewallKitchenofferthem.Lookintotechniqueclassestoo.
o Exposure-Watchfoodshows,experimentinyourownkitchen.
One of the mostwell-knownschoolsforthisfieldis“JohnsonandWalesUniversity”inProvidence,RI
Resources:
http://www.bls.gov/ooh/Management/Food-service-managers.htm,
http://www.nabhood.net/home/index.php/about-us(The National Associationof BlackHotel Owners,
OperatorsandDevelopers),
International Trade Administration (http://travel.trade.gov/about/overview.html)
RestaurantIndustry- (http://www.restaurant.org/About-Us/What-We-Do)
HospitalityIndustry- (http://www.wisegeek.org/what-is-hospitality-management.htm)

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Political Science as a Major
What is it?Political Science isthe studyof government,publicpolicy,political processes,systemsand
behavior.Subfieldsinclude political theory,philosophy,ideology,andeconomy.This fieldalsocovers
policyanalysis,comparative politics,andinternational relationships.
What can I do with thismajor? (Thisis a samplingof some careertracks inthisfield)
Work for the Government!Thatisat the local (city/town),state ornational.
 Local-City/townofficers( townclerk,manager,mayor) ,police,firefighters,towncouncilmen,
Board of Educationto name a few
 State- Governor’soffice,state representative andlegislators,state police,Highwaydepartments
etc.
 National- Executive,Judicial orLegislative branchesof the governmentandanyof theirmany
departmentsandoffices
Political Scientist- These individual studythe origin,developmentandoperationof politicalsystemsin
the US. They researchpolitical ideasandanalyze the structure andoperationof governments,policies
and political trends.
Lobbying- A lobbyistcanworkfordifferenttypesof institutionsandspecial interestgroups.Theirjob
involvespersuadinglegislatorstoenactlawsthat benefitthe groupsorintereststheyrepresent.Many
are paidbut some volunteeronbehalf of theirorganizations.
Legislators- These individualsare membersof the legislativebranchof governmentwhichisresponsible
for makingnewlaw,andamendingexistingones. The legislativebranchiscomprisedof US Congress
(state senatorsandrepresentatives.Legislatorsgovernbyproposingbills,votingandpassingof laws.
Most serve onvariouscommitteesandoversee differentareasof governmentpolicy.Theyare expected
to keepupwithcurrenteventsandtrends.In orderto make the most informeddecisions,legislators
oftenheartestimonyfromprivate citizens,political leadersandspecialinterestgrouprepresentatives.
Work fora magazine- Thisisa greatway to learnhow to write aboutandto understandpolitics- asyou
wouldoftenhave totranslate political speechesandpoliciesintolanguage thateveryone can
understand.Workingfora magazine givesyouaninsider’saccessaswell.Be aware thatmany
magazinesleantowardscertainpartyaffiliations- make sure tocheckthisbefore applyingforajob (or
reading).Some examplesof publicationsare TheWeek,Harper’smagazine,MotherJones,TheAtlantic.
What support do I have in thisfield?
Massachusetts’sPolitical Parties’- Republican http://www.massachusetts.gop/,Democrats
http://massdems.org/,Liberal Party http://www.massliberalparty.org/ andthe GreenParty
http://www.green-rainbow.org
Congressional BlackCaucusInstitute- http://cbcinstitute.org/about providesintensive trainingto
applicanttoget themwell versedandinvolvedinpolitics.

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In college:
Some topicsyoumay studyare- systemsof governments,publicspeaking,dataanalysis,how toconduct
research,howto use social media,policymaking. Here you will developyour- analytical/critical thinking,
readingandwritingskills,andthe abilitytoremainneutral inhighstresssituations.
For more information:AmericanPolitical Science Association- wwww.apsanet.org- theyalsolistjobs,
local groups,academicprograminformationandscholarships.
Bureauof Labor Statistics- http://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/political-
scientists.htm
To gain exposure and experience:volunteerwithapolitical party,tourthe state capitol,watchpolitical
news( CNN,MSNBC),read some magazines, learnaboutthe issues/volunteerwiththose organizations,
figure outwhere youstand, assista local representative intheiroffice.

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Psychology as a major and career path
What is it? It is the scientific study of the normal and abnormal functions of the human mind
especially those affecting behavior.
*A keydistinction*
- Psychologist- A individual whoprovidesyouwithtreatment,cannotprescribemedicine.Hasseveral
yearsof academictrainingunderneaththemendingwithadoctoral level credential.
- Psychiatrist–A medical doctorwhocan prescribe medicine.Startcareerinmedical school and
complete aresidencyinmental health.
 Clinical- Therapistsinthisfield,canbe found hospitals, communityhealthcenters,orprivate
practice.TheyholdPh.D.’sandare boardlicensed.Theyasses, diagnosisandtreatindividuals
sufferingfromamental illness.
 Cognitive- cognitive psychologiststudyhow people acquire,processandstore information.They
alsoconduct andapplyresearchon the humanthoughtprocess.Amongthe worktheydo, theycan
helptocreate educational curriculumforschools(bothpublicandcollege/university) ortheycan
assistinthe creationof certainsoftware,forthe evergrowingfieldof human-computerinteraction.
 Educational-"Educational psychologistsare concernedwiththe studyof human learning.They
attemptto understandthe basicaspectsof learningandthendevelopmaterialsandstrategiesfor
enhancingthe learningprocess.Theycanbe foundinschool systemsandworkwith...
 SchoolPsychology- The studyof childrenineducational settingstohelpchildrenwith
academic,social andemotional issues,mostcommonplace will be inelementaryschools.
Theyworkwitheducatorsand parentsto create
 Sportspsychology-mainlyfoundatthe college orprofessional level.Theyworkwithathletes
to understand the mental factorsthatinfluenceandare influencedbyparticipationand
performance insport,exercise,andphysical activity,and(b) the applicationof the knowledge
gainedthroughthisstudyto everydaysettings.

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 Developmental- Commonlylinkedwithearlychildhood(birth-age 5) butalsoworksto understand
growthand developmentacrossthe lifespan.Individualsinthissubfieldseektounderstandandidentify
developmental disorders.Theirfindingsaffectsuchdisciplinesas-
anthropology,biology,educationandsociology.
 ChildPsychology-A closelyrelatedfieldtodevelopmental,these
psychologistsstudythe mental,social andemotional developmentof
childrenfromthe prenatal periodthroughadolescence.
The academics:
 Bachelor’sdegree-Thisdegree showsemployersandfuture
schoolsthatyou can conduct basicresearch,analyze and
evaluate information.Youwill alsogainanoverview of the
fieldanda hopeful focusforadvanceddegrees.
 Master’sDegree- isan advancedlevel of studyintothe specificsof achosenfield(asmentioned
above).Youcan eitherdoa thesisornon-thesistrack.
Doctorate- a) PsyDiscompletedwithanendfocusof becominga practicingpsychologist.
b) Ph. D- isa degree tounderstand,applyandconductresearch.
Sources:AmericanPsychological Association http://www.apa.org,psychology.about.com,American
PsychiatricAssociation: http://psychiatry.org/

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Academic Programs at Springfield Technical Community College
CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS
Architectural
Autom otive Technology
Biotechnology
CAD/CAM
Civil Engineering Technology
Clerical Office Assistant
CNC Operations
Computer System s Engineering Tech
Computer-Aided Drafting
Computer-Aided Manufacturing
Construction Managem ent
Cosmetology
Criminal Justice
Dental Assistant
Digital Photography
Digital Publishing
Electrical/Robotics Technology
Electronic Systems Technology
Fire Science Technology
Graphic Arts Entrepreneurial
Graphic Arts Technology
Health Aide
Heating/Ventilation/Air Conditioning
Landscape Design & Management Technology
Laser Electro-Optics Technology
Massage Therapy
Medical Assistant
Medical Coding and Billing Specialist
Medical Office Administrative Assistant
Microcom puter Specialist
Microsoft Office
Multim edia Technology
Program mer
Technical Engineering
TV Production
Virtual Entrepreneur
Certificate Programs provide training for entry-level career
positions.They are designed to assist individuals wishing to
develop marketable skills and who need rapid entry into the job
market. Certificate of Completion programs require 24 - 29
college-level credits, while Board of Higher Education-approved
Certificates require 30 + credits which in many cases can be
applied to a degree program at the college.

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ASSOCIATE
DEGREES
AS- Associates of Science
Accounting
Architecture and Building
Technology
Autom otive Technology
Biology
Biotechnology
Business
Business Transfer Compact
Chemistry
Civil Engineering Technology
Finance
Fire Protection and Safety
Technology
Graphic Design
Health Inform ation Technology
Landscape Design and
Managem ent Technology
Landscape Design and
Managem ent Technology
Transfer Compact
Laser Electro-Optics Technology
Managem ent
Marketing
Massage Therapy
Mathem atics
Mechanical Engineering
Technology
Medical Assistant
Medical Coding and Billing
Specialist
Medical Laboratory Technician
Medical Office Administrative
Assistant
Multim edia Technology
Nursing
Occupational Therapy Assistant
Physical Therapist Assistant
Physics
Computer & IT Security
Computer Science Transfer
Computer System s Engineering
Tech
Construction Managem ent
Criminal Justice
Dental Hygiene
Digital Audio Production
Digital Photography
Early Childhood Education
Electrical Engineering Technology
Electronic Systems Engineering
Technology
Energy System s Technology
Engineering Transfer
Entrepreneurship
Professional Office Administrative
Assistant
Program mer
Radiography
Respiratory Care
Science Transfer-P re
Med/P reD ent/PreVet
Sonography
Sports and Entertainm ent
Managem ent
Surgical Technology
Technical Engineering
Telecom munications Technology
Teleproduction Technology
AA- Associate of Arts
Art
General Studies
Liberal Arts Transfer
Pre-Engineering Technology
Pre-Health/H ealth Science
Teacher Education Transfer -
Elementary
Teacher Education Transfer -
Secondary
University Without Walls
We Hope you have found this guide helpful
We wish you the best in your academic and professional endeavors.
Any questions about the fields or if you have an interest in volunteering or ready
to find work please contact your advisors and/or the volunteer coordinator.
Degrees programs and their options are courses of study that lead to a
career or transfer to a four-year college or university. Degrees require the
completion of a minimum of 60 college-level credits that include courses
in the major and general education. Most degrees may be completed
while attending full or part time.

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VOLUNTEERING 101
Volunteering is a wonderful way to a) get to know your community, b) strengthen your
community, c) gain skills for employment or a career change, d) improve your physical and
emotional well-being and have fun.
So what are you waiting for?
By placing yourself in a position you instantly accomplish two things- changing your life and the
lives of those who you serve.
Opportunities can be found in all fields and can be tailored to fit your interests/goals. So if
music, sports, or technology are what interests you- there’s an organization for that
So what do you need? Nothing really but a sincere desire to give back and to learn
new skills. Some organizations require you to fill out an application or a candidate
profile either in person or online. Many ask for references or a resume.
What’s in it for me? Besides a sense of pride and accomplishment you get a chance to
network, gain relevant job skills, and find a new job/career path etc. Sometimes you
even get free stuff such as movie passes, t-shirts, concerts or live theatre tickets, food,
promo items ( depends on organization).
What’s in it for the organization(s) I am helping? They get assistance in
accomplishing their mission/goals. They also get a reduction in operating costs so
they can focus more on getting results (ex being able to serve more meals to the
homeless or being able to build more shelters for stray animals).
How do I get on this? A great way to start is to set up appointments with your
volunteer coordinator in the Adult Education Center. She will work with you to identify
your interests and match you with like-minded organizations. She will also help you to
apply for their available opportunities. You can also search yourself through websites
such as volunteermatch.org, United Way of Pioneer Valley or through your
local library.
To schedule an appointment with your volunteer coordinator- Pam M. please call her at
(413)-755-5102, drop in either before or after class or by email pbmajidy@stcc.edu

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