The Office of Career Development provides a variety of services to help students examine their values, skills, and interests while at the same time providing them with opportunities that will allow them to grow and develop. They learn new skills and gain experience in the world of work, all to help them make the best, most informed choices possible relating to choosing a major and a career, while at the same time developing emotionally.

How can you help your child through these times of growth and development, exploration and change?

The first step is to understand where your child might be developmentally in his or her career planning. What stage is he or she operating in? Guidelines for Career Development describe the typical stages of career development through the college years.

Be supportive of your child’s career development:

• Encourage them to visit the Office of Career Development early on to learn about the available resources.
• Encourage them to explore their skills, interests, abilities, values, and strengths.
• Encourage them to get involved with various organizations and activities.
• Encourage them to get a summer job or internship to gain career-related experience.
• Get involved with Career Development yourself. Perhaps you can provide another student with information relating to a profession they are interested in.
• Most importantly, be patient and supportive while they explore different majors and careers.

Other References:

A Career Planning Course for Parents (Sally Kearsley)

Millenials Go To College (Neil Howe and William Strauss, Lifecourse Associates, 2003)

The Fine Art of Letting Go (Barbara Kantrowitz & Peg Tyre, Newsweek, May 22, 2006, pp. 49 – 63)

Inward Journeys: Forms and Patterns of College Student Spirituality (Jon Dalton, David Eberhardt, Jillian Bracken, and Keith Echols, Florida State University), Journal of College & Character, Volume VII, No. 8, October 2006.