Step 1:
Determine interests, values, and talents.
If uncertain about an academic major, take a career assessment inventory such as the Self Directed Search, Choices, or Myers Briggs Type Indicator. Meet with a counselor to discuss the results.
Gain experience through part-time jobs , volunteering, and student organizations.
Step 2:
Research careers which capture your interests.
Conduct informational interviews with professionals who are currently in the field
Develop skills necessary to meet job requirements, such leadership, computer, and communication.
Step 3:
Develop a resume and cover letter
Complete an internship
Identify industries which hire students with your education and experience.
Attend programs and fairs sponsored by Career Services
Graduate and Professional School Day , Internship & Job Fair , and the Education Job Fair
Step 4:
Complete an internship.
Register with Career Connections at Career Services.
Update resume.
Attend a workshop on interviewing tips.
Participate in a practice interview.
Locate job openings through utilizing Career Search, Internet, professional associations, virtual career fairs and other resources.
Attend Graduate and Professional School Day, Career Day and the Education Job Fair.
Interview on and off campus.
Obtain job opening information through virtual career fairs.
The previous steps are what students should do to find career success. You, too, can help your student launch a successful career. As a parent, you play an important role in the career development of your student. Students often look to their parents for advice and direction. Here are some tips for parents regarding career development:
*Let your student make his/her own choices: You may be tempted to have your student major in a particular area because it's a "hot" field. Reality is that there is no such thing as a major that guarantees a job. Your student must develop his/her own directions based on their individual interests, skills, and values. Encourage your student to pursue something that reflects who he/she is, then the success will come.
*Encourage exploration: Encourage your student to try different courses that may be of interest. Through this exploration, he/she may discover areas previously unknown.
*Support involvement in co-curricular activities: Opportunities to demonstrate leadership ability, teamwork, time management and other career-related skills will help your student prepare for the world of work. These "soft" skills are highly sought after by employers.
*Be patient and encouraging: Don't ask the dreaded question, "What are you going to do when you graduate?" This question is a "biggie" and often causes panic if it cannot be answered. Instead, encourage your student to begin to research his/her options in their academic program. Offer to help research different areas and be encouraging if they are getting frustrated.
*Recommend visits to Career Services: You probably won't know all the answers your student may have, but we can help. We also help students make decisions about majors. Students are not required to use our services but we are here to serve them all!
(from University of Connecticut Career Services)
The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) has some useful information on their website about parenting a college student or a college-bound student.
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