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SMCC Launches New Career Tools to Help Students Discover Pathways to Success

SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine — To help students at every stage chart a confident path forward, Southern Maine Community Collegelinked in post (1) (SMCC) has launched MyMajors and MyCareers—two interactive tools backed by the National Science Foundation. The platforms simplify career and major exploration by mapping students’ passions, strengths, and goals to best-fit SMCC programs—including degrees, certificates, and workforce training. MyCareers lists more than 1,000 occupations—highlighting career options within SMCC’s educational pathways—and offers individuals access to career exploration tools and employment data.

Finding the Right Fit with MyMajors

Prospective learners, from high school students to adult learners and career changers, can start with the 15-minute MyMajors quiz. This free online assessment asks questions about school and personal interests, preferred subjects, and other questions to narrow down possible SMCC programs that may be a good fit. Anyone can take the MyMajors quiz by creating a free account with an email and password. Upon completion, participants receive an immediate, downloadable report highlighting the SMCC majors and programs that best match their profile, along with career exploration tools through MyCareers. 

Mapping Future Careers with MyCareers

The MyCareers interactive career exploration platform, based on the modernized National Career Clusters Framework, maps out job opportunities within SMCC educational pathways, giving students a clear view of local salary data and workforce trends—whether their goal is direct employment after graduation or continuing their education at a four-year university. Users can explore different career fields, job outlook/salaries in Maine, daily job responsibilities, instructional videos, and required skill sets. Selecting the “Other Career Pathways” feature allows users to explore all 14 modernized career clusters and 72 sub-clusters for more general career exploration.

Spearheaded and managed by the SMCC Career Development and Partnerships office, the platforms provide research-backed assessments, real-time insights into Maine’s job market and earning potential data. The online tools offer clear steps from classroom to career for anyone exploring SMCC programs, or conducting general career exploration, based on consolidated information from the U.S. Department of Labor and other trusted career sites.

“At SMCC, student success is at the heart of everything we do,” said Dr. Kristen Miller, President of Southern Maine Community College. “True to our mission, we transform lives by empowering students with clear pathways, tailored advising, and the confidence to lead. Supported by dedicated faculty and staff—and innovative tools like MyMajors and MyCareers—our graduates enter high-demand industries across Maine and beyond, prepared to succeed.”

“Choosing a major or career path can feel overwhelming, but students don’t have to navigate it alone,” said Donna Gaspar Jarvis, Director of Career Development & Partnerships at SMCC. “These tools take the guesswork out of the process by giving students personalized insights into Maine’s job market and connecting their passions directly to SMCC programs. Whether you’re exploring higher education options for the first time or pivoting to a new field, these tools give you a clear, confident place to start.”

Career & Major Exploration Resources

Both MyMajors and MyCareers tools are available via the SMCC Career Development webpage alongside additional major and career exploration resources. Access the tools directly using the links below:

SMCC Supports Students Taking the Next Step

Whether earning a degree or certificate, completing workforce training, or launching a new career, students leave SMCC prepared to achieve their goals. To support this journey, SMCC’s Career Development & Partnerships office collaborates closely with employers, alumni, and community organizations to offer career exploration, job-readiness skill-building, networking, and employment pathways. The office hosts pathway-specific career fairs, industry panels, webinars, and more.

For questions about our career help tools, or to discuss partnership and recruitment opportunities with SMCC, please contact the SMCC Director of Career Development & Partnerships Donna Gaspar Jarvis, at dgasparjarvis@mainecc.edu or 207-741-5994.