10/25/2023
Wondering how to Support your Student with their Career Development?
As the fall semester comes to an end, many students will return home to spend the Thanksgiving and Winter breaks with their families. This is a great time to check in with your student about their major and careers plans. The most valuable things parents can do to help their son or daughter with their career development are to listen, be open to ideas, and offer support and encouragement along the way. Help your child understand that the path to a career can be winding, and it's normal for them to explore different options. It's okay not to have everything figured out immediately and there are many resources available at Furman to support them along the way.
Here are a few things that you can do to help:
1. Encourage Exploration
Support your student’s exploration of majors and career paths. Talk with your student about the courses and activities they are enjoying. Discuss how the skills and knowledge gained in their current studies can be applied to a variety of career paths. Encourage your student to explore their interests, strengths, and values. Suggest they take career assessments (available through the Malone Center for Career Engagement) or conduct informational interviews with professionals in fields they're curious about.
2. Share your Journey
If relevant, share your own career journey and the lessons you've learned along the way. This can make the conversation more relatable.
3. Encourage your Student to Visit the Malone Center for Career Engagement or Internship Office
Many students use their first year to transition to college life, so the second-year is the optimal time to start using the career engagement and internship services. These offices provide support around career exploration, resumes, internships, interview preparation, job search, and graduate school applications.
4. Emphasize the Importance of Internships
Internships provide students with opportunity to test drive potential careers while gaining valuable skills and experience. In today’s competitive employment market, many employers seek students who have relevant internships. In fact, many employers utilize their internship program as a pipeline for their new hires. Encourage your student to meet with the Internship Office in the fall semester as many employers have early deadlines.
5. Teach the Value of Networking
Building a professional network can open doors to valuable opportunities. Encourage your child to attend career fairs, networking events, and career treks that take place throughout the year. Introduce your student to family, friends, or colleagues who are in fields in which he or she has an interest.
