Parent's Roadmap
Your child is now a college student and you want the best for him/her. You know from experience that career planning does not just happen in the final year of college. You know that if planning is done well, it could really make a difference in your student's success as he/she begins the job search process their senior year.
Parents do have an important role! Parents can provide career planning support; understanding when and where to lend a helping hand or a listening ear can assist your student in successfully transitioning from Campus to Career.
First Year - The Year of Discovery
- Encourage your student to make grades and learning a top priority
- Talk to your student about his/her skills and talents
- Encourage involvement in campus activities and clubs
- Remind your student of the support services available on campus
- Be aware that a part-time job may be beneficial; employers love work experience
- Talk to your student about the importance of vocation (one's life work)
- Be open to ideas your student has regarding majors and career fields
Summer
- Encourage him/her to find a part-time or summer position related to career interests
- Promote volunteer service in an area of interest
- Ask about his/her goals and plans
Second Year - The Year of Exploration
- Continue to talk to your student about major and career options
- Encourage him/her to utilize the James C. Denneny, Jr. Career Development Center and varied workshop opportunities
- Promote the "Top Ten Resources" provided on the Career Development website
- Introduce your student to people in professions he/she is considering
- Assist your student in developing a list of people in a field of interest to contact for informational interviews
- Encourage your student to participate in activities and experiences related his/her interests and skills
- Stress the importance of maintaining a solid GPA
Summer
- Encourage your student to look for an internship or summer job in a field of interest
- Continue to encourage community involvement and volunteering
- Speak with your student about long-term goals and plans
Third Year - The Year of Evaluation
- Encourage your student to attend the CMU Career EXPO and other professional events provided by the James C. Denneny, Jr. Career Development Center
- Assist your student in purchasing an interview suit and building a professional wardrobe
- Encourage your student to continue involvement and leadership roles in activities/clubs related to his/her interests
- Encourage your student to utilize Handshake, CMU's online career management and job searching system; and post a resume in the resume book within the system
- Assist your student in developing realistic expectations about his/her chosen career by asking questions such as:
- What is the average starting salary?
- What skills are preferred at the entry level?
- Where are jobs located?
- What are long-term opportunities for professional growth?
- Is graduate/professional school a requirement?
- Encourage ongoing review and revision of her/his resume, a resource provided by the James C. Denneny, Jr. Career Development Center
Summer
- Promote experience, experience, experience!
- Encourage an internship in his/her field, even if it is unpaid and the student needs to also work part-time to assist with finances
- Continue to encourage community involvement and volunteering
- Speak with your student about short and long-term goals and career plans
Fourth Year - The Year of Implementation
- Encourage participation in all career planning workshops and events that CMU sponsors
- Give your student ideas of people who are in his/her "network" system, since many jobs are found this way
- Ask your student how you can help, but do not give too much assistance! While he/she can use resources you may have, writing a resume and cover letter, doing company research, and attending events must be done by the student
- Assist your student in purchasing professional attire
- Encourage your student to have his/her job application materials reviewed and a job search plan developed at the James C. Denneny, Jr. Career Development Center
- Encourage your student to participate in a mock interview
- Promote networking and involvement in professional associations
- When she/he is offered a job, sit down and go through the various compensation and benefits information
- Check in now and then to listen to your student - this can be a stressful time!
- Be patient! The career search process takes time - six months or more!
- If it takes a while, encourage your new graduate to volunteer, take on an internship in his/her field and to continue to network!