JJC Blog

Did you know that you can earn a JJC certificate in as little as four to 50 college credits?

In fact, if you plan it right, you can complete many of JJC's certificate programs in one year or less. Certificates are a great way to get your feet wet if you're interested in an area of study. Plus, many students who earn certificates start working in their field immediately. Below, we've listed 15 JJC certificates that you can complete in one year or less.

Want to know more about JJC's 180+ degree and certificate programs? See the complete list.

Spring break will be here before you know it! If you don't have a trip planned, but you're still looking for something fun to do locally, we've got you covered. We've listed seven things you can do for fun within a 60-mile radius of JJC below. 

Enjoy your spring break! 

Whether you're age 18 or 38, keeping a balanced budget is tricky - especially if you're in college and juggling multiple costs. 

According to a Gallup poll, only 30 percent of Americans keep a regular household budget. If you don't have a budget (but would like to create one), we've gathered a few helpful tips that will get you started below. 

Questions about your financial aid? Visit jjc.edu/financial-aid.

Did you know that more than 70 percent of employers look up their applicants on social media? If you're nearing graduation, there's no better time than the present to start adjusting the way you use social media so you'll have a better chance at landing the perfect job. 

Read on for five social media tips and tricks below.

Note: This article was published in 2018 and may contain information about events that have already passed.

February is Black History Month - a time to celebrate diversity, create awareness and honor the African Americans who have played significant roles in U.S. history, from Harriet Tubman to Martin Luther King, Jr.

There are so many ways you can celebrate - take a look at our list below for some ideas.

It's no secret that college can be expensive - but it's also an investment in your future. When you spend money on classes to obtain a degree, remember that you're doing it to give yourself a huge advantage in the workforce.

How huge? You may be surprised to learn how valuable a college degree really is - even if you're only planning on getting an associate degree. Take a look at five reasons why college is a good idea despite the high cost below. 

Did you know that smartphone users spend 52 percent of their digital media time on mobile apps? From studying to planning, money management and stress relief, we've listed five apps that will help you succeed in college below. Take a look!

Is your brain still on "vacation mode" after a long winter break? Are you worried that you're going to find it hard to concentrate, at least at the beginning of this new semester? According to Psychology Today, you're not alone - the "post vacation" blues are a real thing.

But the good news is you can overcome them! To help you transition into second semester, we've compiled a list of tips to help you start the year off fresh - whether this is your first semester or your last. Good luck!

Undecided about your major? You're not alone. According to the academic advising journal The Mentor, approximately 20 to 50 percent of college students are undecided in their first year of college.

To see which JJC majors would best fit your interests, we've created a quick 11-question quiz that follows the six basic personality types outlined below. Make sure to keep track of your answers as you go along.

Looking for a more in-depth test to help you choose a major? Take the JJC Career Services Career Coach assessment here.

Need some more clarity? Make an appointment with a counselor at the Career Services Center. Call (815) 280-2756 or email careers@jjc.edu.  

 
Gift giving is stressful when you're on a college student budget - but it's not impossible! If you're unsure what you're going to do about your Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanzaa gifts this year, check out a few of our gift ideas below, ranging from $1 to $20.