Career FAQ's for Parents and Families

At the Center for Career and Professional Development (CCPD), we know that a strong support system is key to a student’s success. Parents, families, and caregivers play an important role in encouraging students to take full advantage of the resources available to them. CCPD provides services designed to support all students, including first-year students, transfer students, and those nearing graduation, and we value the unique perspective you bring as someone who knows your student best.

How early should my student start utilizing the Center for Career and Professional Development's resources?

We encourage all students, including first-year and transfer students, to start using CCPD resources as soon as they arrive on campus! Getting connected with the CCPD early will give your student the chance to explore different career paths and consider steps they may want to take to prepare for their intended career goals. 

Many of the most competitive internships and job opportunities require preparation well in advance. The earlier students begin learning how to write a strong resume, develop interview skills, and build a professional network, the more prepared they will be when applying for these opportunities. Even if they are unsure about their career path, engaging with CCPD early helps them make informed decisions and stay ahead of deadlines. 

Career and professional development isn’t just something to think about junior or senior year; it’s an ongoing process!

What should my student do if they're undecided about their major or career path?

If your student is “undecided”, that’s okay! In the CCPD, we don’t refer to students as “undecided”; rather, we see it as an opportunity for students to dig deep into self-reflection and exploration of the many opportunities available to them. If your student is feeling uncertain, the first and most important step is to reassure them that they are not alone and that there are many resources available to help them gain clarity. Sometimes, the best way to figure out a career path is to try something new and reflect on what they enjoy and what they do not.

The Center for Career and Professional Development (CCPD) offers one-on-one coaching and various career exploration tools to help students identify their strengths and interests. A popular tool “What Can I Do With This Major?” is an example of a resource frequently used with students who might feel overwhelmed in the major selection process. Through a variety of resources, your students can gain insight into potential career paths and feel more confident in their next steps.

Encouraging your student to take small tangible steps is typically a helpful approach. Whether that means scheduling a career coaching appointment, trying out a new class, joining a new student organization, or attending a job and internship fair, each step will help them gain clarity on their interests and passions.Gaining hands-on experience through internships, volunteer work, part-time jobs, research projects, or job shadowing can also help them explore different industries and roles.

Last but not least, it’s important to remind your student that choosing a major, internship, or first job does not mean committing to a single career for the rest of their life. Career exploration is a marathon, not a sprint! Reassuring them that they have the flexibility to change paths in the future can be incredibly encouraging. The most important thing is for students to stay engaged and embrace opportunities to learn about themselves and possible career opportunities. 

What support is available for students preparing for interviews?

The CCPD team provides mock interviews, interview preparation workshops, and coaching to help students prepare and gain confidence for their interviews. During mock interviews, students can practice answering common interview questions, receive feedback, and refine their answers to make a great impression.

Are there opportunities for my student to work on campus? If so, how would they find those opportunities?

Yes, there are many on-campus job opportunities. Students can find these positions through the College’s website here. If your student needs support with a resume, cover letter, or any other application materials, they can stop by the CCPD Drop-In Center. The Drop-In Center is open Tuesday through Thursday from 12-4pm and is located in Oesterle Library room #114. 

What should my student include on their resume if they don’t have much work experience?

If your student doesn’t have relevant internship and/or work experience yet, that’s okay! All experience is valuable and helps to develop skills that employers seek in entry-level candidates. You want to encourage your student to include:

• Coursework and Academic Projects: Highlighting major coursework and academic projects can showcase a student’s ability to apply classroom learning to real-world scenarios.
• Part-Time Jobs and Summer Jobs: Any work experience, even if unrelated to their major/career goals, helps build transferable skills such as communication, self-initiative, and teamwork.
• Skills and Certifications: Gaining hands-on experience with industry tools and earning certifications can help students build credibility in their chosen field.
• Leadership and Campus Involvement: Active participation in student organizations and leadership roles strengthens communication, adaptability, and project management skills.

What is the Cardinal Career Closet, and how can my student access it?

The Cardinal Career Closet is a free resource available to all students to increase access to quality professional attire for career-related experiences, interviews, and professional networking events. Students can take up to 1 full free business professional or business casual outfit per academic year. The outfit of their choice is theirs to keep as they build their professional wardrobe! The Cardinal Career Closet is located in Larrance Academic Center (LAC) room 2. 

The CCPD team hosts regular shopping events on a weekly basis for students to access this resource. Students can find the regular shopping events on our Instagram account: @ncc_ccpd. If your student has any questions or concerns about how to access this resource, please have them email career@noctrl.edu.

How can my student schedule an appointment with a career coach?

Students can schedule a one-on-one career coaching appointment via Handshake, the College’s job and internship + career services platform. Some common career coaching appointment topics include career exploration, job/internship search, graduate school planning, internship management, and interview preparation.

How can I help my student to move forward in their career and professional development?

Great question! Here are a few tips:

• Encourage your student to explore/try new things and be open-minded if they change their mind.
  • Affirm that exploring is positive and changing their mind isn’t failing.
• Be an advocate for the Center for Career and Professional Development (CCPD)’s support and resources.
• Highlight your student’s strengths, skills, and interests. Your student will likely appreciate hearing those affirmations from you!
• Continue to be a listening ear throughout the career development process.