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Parents as Career Coaches

Your role is important in your student's career decision-making process. These tips will help you be a productive career coach for your students, enabling them to make smart decisions about their major and career. 

The first year is a time for students to explore majors and careers and determine which major is the best fit. Below are tips for helping declared and exploring students with their journey. 
Students Who Have Declared a Major

That's great! But the quest might not be over yet. Most college students change their major at least once. To help your students determine if their major is a good choice for them (not just a major they picked from their favorite TV character!) use these tips:

  • Initiate conversations on major plans.
  • Talk with your student about their choice and whether it is based on THEIR personal experience and preference. 
  • Help your student clarify ideas, priorities and concerns. 
  • Provide feedback on specific interests and abilities you see in your student. 
  • Help them to develop independent decision-making skills. 
  • Learning to make other small life decisions can help prepare students for major and career decisions. 
  • Be prepared to support your student through the ups and downs of their major. 

Exploring Students

This is great too! Below are some tips for helping support your student's major choice:

  • Provide non-judgmental listening and honest feedback. 
  • Listen, respond, and ask questions. 
  • Your willingness to listen and be a sounding board will help keep you "in the loop".
  • See the situation from your student's perspective. 
  • Remember what it was like when you were that age. 
  • Support your student's exploration of new areas of study and interests. 
  • Encourage your student to take advantage of the resources available to them. 
  • Take a look at our resources on choosing a major and a career for more guidance. 

The best way for us to help students is through individual appointments. Encourage your student to set up an appointment today using their Handshake account.

During the sophomore year, students easily become lulled into a false sense of security. Frequently, students choose their major during their first year and then (believing the questioning, exploring, and choosing is over) become primarily involved in taking their classes. However, the sophomore year is a time for students to continue questioning what they want to do with their major and determining the right fit. 

THIS YEAR YOUR STUDENT SHOULD:

  • Read about careers that interest them. 
  • Download our WHAT CAN I DO WITH THIS MAJOR..(Can we link page here?) to learn about various majors as well as the skills your student should develop to be successful in their major. 
  • Talk with professors, friends, family, etc. about their major and possible careers. 
  • Download a handout on Informational Interviewing (PDF) including questions they can ask, as well as sample thank you letters.
  • Make their summer job count -- they can use it to explore a career. 
  • This is a good time to gain experience in the work environment, even if their job isn't directly career-related. Encourage your student to explore summer job and internship opportunities
  • Schedule an appointment with a Career Coach.

​​​​​​​The best way for us to help students is through individual appointments. Encourage your student to contact us to set up an individual appointment. 

 

The Junior year is an important time for your student to gain experience in their field of interest. Below are some tips and links to other parts of the website that might be helpful for you and your student throughout this year. 

The best way for us to help students is through individual appointments. Encourage your student to contact us to set up an appointment.
 

The Senior year is the time for students to finalize their career paths and begin the job search and/or graduate school application process. Below are some tips and links that will be helpful for you and your student throughout this year. 

  • Remind your student to udate their resume with any summer opportunities
  • Prepare their resume and have it reviewed by the Career Development Center
  • Encourage your student to download the Resume Writing handout for a detailed guide to writing a resume. During the school year drop-in appointments are available M-T from 3:00pm - 4:00pm
  • Learn about (and begin) the job search, interview process, and appropriate etiquette. 
  • Guide them towards job search materials and resources.
  • Schedule a mock interview today!