PATHWAYS COURSES

The Pathways courses are offered at New England College so that students can gain skills in planning for both their college and post-graduate careers. Students may take one of these courses any time it is offered. The Pathways courses have been developed, however, in such a way that the second course builds upon the first one. By taking the courses in sequence, students can develop college and career goals in an integrated, logically progressive way, with assistance from professors and Pathways Career Services staff. Pathways courses are one-credit courses that are taken on a pass-fail basis.

PP1010: Getting the Most from Your Education

This course aims at enhancing your development as a professional college student and is comprised of a series of workshops focusing on such issues as the importance of a liberal arts core, time and stress management, saying “no” to distractions, effective note-taking and preparing for exams, taking advantage of academic resources, working in teams, and building flexibility into your degree program.  Offered every semester. 

PP1020: Career Development - The First Conversations
A good job search is a series of planned conversations. Asking the right questions and communicating effectively is essential to meaningful career development. In this course students will identify their own skills, values and characteristics. They will take an online or paper-and-pencil career interest inventory. They will clarify their career focus, develop their first resume, and obtain information on fields of work that interest them. All of this will enable them to present themselves in a clear and enthusiastic manner to future employers. Offered each semester.

PP1030: Concepts of Financial Responsibility
Financial responsibility is one of the hardest things to tackle after graduation.  After the first job offer, some understanding is needed to manage a paycheck appropriately to avoid digging a financial "pit."  This class will look at the basics of financial matters including: credit cards, loans, banking, taxes, insurance, housing, retirement, and budgeting.  Learning financial responsibility can free one from being a slave to the paycheck and the bill collectors, and give new graduates a better opportunity for real independence.

PP3010: Career Development - The New Culture

This course will focus on making the transition between college life and the working world. Students will understand the theory behind a successful job search, and how to conduct one effectively. Students will further clarify their career focus, develop a list of contacts in their chosen career field, write a resume, learn how to compose job search correspondence, manage follow-up phone calls, and participate in a job interview. Other discussion topics will include choosing between graduate school and work, basic financial planning, and adjusting to a new work and social environment. Offered as a two-day, intensive weekend seminar each semester.