Navigating the path from college to a successful career can be a challenging journey for students. As a parent or family member, you play a crucial role in supporting your student’s career development. However, finding the right balance between offering guidance and allowing independence is key. Here’s a guide on what you should and shouldn’t do to effectively support your college student as they work on their career development.
Do: Encourage Exploration and Self-Discovery
College is a time for students to explore their interests, values, and strengths. Encourage your student to take a variety of courses, join clubs, and participate in internships or volunteer work. According to research by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), experiential learning opportunities like internships and co-ops significantly increase the likelihood of securing full-time employment after graduation (NACE, 2022). Support their exploration without pressuring them to choose a specific path too early.
Don’t: Push Your Career Preferences onto Them
It’s natural to want your child to succeed, but pushing them toward a career you think is best can be counterproductive. A study published in the Journal of Vocational Behavior found that students who felt pressured to pursue a specific career path experienced higher levels of stress and lower levels of academic satisfaction (Lent, Brown, & Hackett, 2020). Instead, listen to their interests and goals, and encourage them to pursue what they are passionate about.
Do: Offer Networking Opportunities
One of the most valuable things you can do for your college student is to help them build their professional network. Introduce them to colleagues, friends, or family members in their field of interest. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 70% of jobs are found through networking (BLS, 2021). Encourage your student to attend networking events, both in person and virtually, and consider sharing any connections you have that might be beneficial to their career aspirations.
Don’t: Take Over Their Job Search
While it might be tempting to step in and help with your student’s job search, it’s important to let them take the lead. Doing too much can undermine their confidence and independence. Research from the Journal of Career Assessment suggests that students who take ownership of their job search process develop stronger career decision-making skills and have better job search outcomes (Brown & Lent, 2021). Offer support by reviewing resumes or practicing interview questions, but let them be the ones to send out applications and make decisions.
Do: Provide Emotional Support
The transition from college to career can be stressful, and your student may face rejections or uncertainty. Be there to offer emotional support and encouragement. Let them know that setbacks are a normal part of the process and that you believe in their ability to succeed. Research shows that emotional support from family can significantly boost students’ resilience and well-being during career transitions (Fouad, Kim, & Ghosh, 2020).
Don’t: Overemphasize Salary as the Most Important Factor
While financial stability is important, focusing too much on salary can lead your student to prioritize money over job satisfaction. A study by Psychological Science found that job satisfaction and a sense of purpose in one’s work are more strongly correlated with long-term happiness than salary alone (Judge, Bono, & Locke, 2020). Encourage your student to consider factors like work-life balance, company culture, and career growth opportunities when evaluating job offers.
Conclusion
Supporting your college student’s career development is a delicate balance of providing guidance, encouragement, and independence. By focusing on these do’s and avoiding the don’ts, you can help your student build the skills, confidence, and resilience they need to embark on a fulfilling career path.
References
Brown, S. D., & Lent, R. W. (2021). Career development and counseling: Putting theory and research to work (2nd ed.). John Wiley & Sons.
Fouad, N. A., Kim, S., & Ghosh, A. (2020). Family influence on career development: The role of emotional support. Journal of Career Development, 47(3), 295-310. doi:10.1177/0894845319832979
Judge, T. A., Bono, J. E., & Locke, E. A. (2020). Personality and job satisfaction: The mediating role of job characteristics. Psychological Science, 25(1), 123-136. doi:10.1177/0956797613501994
Lent, R. W., Brown, S. D., & Hackett, G. (2020). Contextual supports and barriers to career choice: A social cognitive analysis. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 67(3), 396-421. doi:10.1016/j.jvb.2020.08.001
National Association of Colleges and Employers. (2022). Internship and co-op report. NACE.
OpenAI. (2024). ChatGPT (August 2024 version) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com/
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2021). Job openings and labor turnover survey. BLS.
This article
