Center for Career and Professional Development

Sep 13, 2024

5 Tips for Families to Support Their Students’ Career Development

Many college students across the country often turn to their families and loved ones for guidance and career advice before seeking input from faculty in their academic discipline or career center staff members. Here are five practical tips related to career and professional development to help you encourage your student.

  1. Encourage “Wise Wandering”. College is a great time for students to explore different interests and paths. Encourage your student to try new things such as joining student organizations, pursuing an internship or part-time job, or volunteering at a local organization.
  2. Offer Emotional Support. Exploring career paths and searching for opportunities can sometimes be stressful and uncertain. Being there to listen, provide reassurance, and show empathy can make all the difference in helping your student navigate challenges. Your support and empathy can help them feel less overwhelmed.
  3. Discuss Career Development Early & Often. Start talking about career plans early and keep the conversation going throughout your student’s college years. Quick check-ins and deeper conversations can help them figure out their goals and stay on track. Your support and interest can boost their confidence and nudge them forward.
  4. Celebrate Small Wins. Internship/job searching and/or applying to graduate school is a marathon, not a sprint. Acknowledging each small achievement helps your student see their progress and reinforces that career development is a step-by-step journey.
  5. Share Internships and Full-Time Positions with the Center for Career and Professional Development Team. If your company is interested in bringing on an intern or new full-time employee, let us know! Your connections can help open doors for students seeking career opportunities.

The Center for Career and Professional Development (CCPD) is dedicated to supporting and empowering North Central students in their exploration, preparation, and pursuit of their chosen career journey. We offer many tools, resources, and guidance to students via our online on-demand resources, drop-in center, one-on-one appointments, workshops, and career-related events. We value being students’ “GPS” in their career journey by guiding them through the various steps of career and professional development. We are equipped to connect with students about a variety of topics, especially the following:

  • Career exploration
  • Resumes & Cover letters
  • Interview preparation
  • Job offer evaluation
  • Internship & Job search
  • Graduate school planning