The Role of College Parents
Role of a College Parent
- Move from parent/child to coach/student relationship
- Listen – learn about your student’s interests
- Be patient – even when it seems your student has no direction
- Encourage career exploration
- Suggest participation in Career Center programs early in the college experience
- Familiarize yourself with current career fields and career planning tools and strategies
- Stress importance of planning ahead
- Support involvement in extra- and co-curricular activities
- Act as a motivator and cheerleader
- Ask questions and expect reports from your student
- Recommend experiential education (i.e., cooperative education, internships, etc.)
- Assisting your student through the professional networking process will be one of your most important responsibilities
Suggest the following:
- Treat every person you meet as a possible networking opportunity
- Identify several professional organizations that you can join as a student
- Volunteer at conventions where professionals will be in attendance
- Create a contact list of people who could offer you job advice/information and other contacts
- Volunteer in your community
- Attend local chamber, service and professional meetings
- Carry your resume with you at all times
Keys to Effective Career Planning
- Planning ahead
- Putting less emphasis on majors
- Focusing more on skill development and enhancement
- Exploring wide range of options
- Gaining meaningful experience
- Being proactive
Other Ways to Stay Involved
- Alumni Career Network
- Employer Services
- Speaker’s Bureau
Page last updated on April 24, 2008.
