Career Services for Parents

We as parents are the backbone and the support system that each of our students depend on, even if they say it isn't so. Ceratinly we want all our students to be successful and truly enjoy the career path they follow.

It takes all of us to be encouragers, mentors, and to motivate our students to be successful as they get off our payroll. Below are just a few tips to consider in assisting your student. CS feels career planning is a 4 year activity, and request that you encourage your student to register early with the UMHB Career Center for an action plan. Please feel free to contact Career Services if we may assist in any way at 254-295-4691.

A Parent's Checklist: Helping Your Student Find a Career*

Support

Am I allowing my child the freedom to have new experiences?
Do I encourage the exploration of new ideas, experiences, or occupations without being pushy?
Am I willing to tolerate ideas and values which are different than my own?
Do I really listen to what my daughter/son tells me?
Am I positive and supportive when my son/daughter makes a poor decision or fails?

Information

Do I talk openly and honestly about my current job, including both the pros and cons?
Am I willing to discuss my own career development history?
Do I tell my daughter/son about various occupations?
Do I encourage my son/daughter to find out about careers of interest, referring him/her to appropriate resources?

Personal Insights

Do I help my daughter/son to objectively look at her/his strengths and weaknesses and suggest how they might relate to various career areas?
Do I compliment my son/daughter on his/her good points and accomplishments?
Do I help my daughter/son identify careers that she/he would be good at?

Contacts

Am I willing to refer my son/daughter to friends and acquaintances who might discuss their occupations with him/her?
Am I willing to actively help my daughter/son find an internship or summer/part-time/volunteer job that will help her/him explore a potential career field?
Would I be willing to allow my son/daughter to use my personal and professional contacts to find employment after graduation?

Motivation

Do I encourage activities that promote career development, while not emphasizing what has not been done?
Am I willing to assist my daughter/son in setting reasonable goals and be consistent in my expectations that these be met?
Do I ask questions that will encourage my son's/daughter's further career information seeking?

*Checklist by Lenz and O'Neal, Florida State University