Parents & Families

Support Your Student's Career Development

Encourage your student to visit Career Services BEFORE admission, as a new freshman, and each year toward graduation.
Career counselors can help a student select a major and career, prepare a resume, search for jobs and internships, practice interviewing, and more!

Listen in a non-judgmental way. 
Try not to impose your interests or desires on your teenager. Stay open to new ideas and help your student research careers so that they can make informed decisions.

Assist your student with thinking realistically about their skills and interests.
Remember, students frequently change majors after gaining additional self-awareness, experiences, and information about careers.

Help your student recognize and develop their strengths.
Reflect on their past academic successes and interests and explore how these might form a basis for future success. What hobbies occupy their free time? Don't dwell on their weaknesses.  Encourage and applaud them as they succeed.

Explain the value of part-time employment.
Research shows that students who work part-time tend to out-perform their peers who do not work at all, or who work too much. A job on campus helps students build time management and professional skills and connect to supportive supervisors.

Let your student make decisions.
While suggestions may be appreciated, encourage your student to take ownership for making major and career choices. Keep in mind that picking a major does not necessarily mean selecting a specific occupation or career.

Promote the value of internships..
Gaining experience through internships, typically during their junior/senior years, can assist your student in strengthening their credentials while testing out career options.

Advise your student to write a resume before graduation.
Writing a resume can help students identify areas that require improvement and growth.