Written by Pat Brown, MBA, Former Student-Athlete
As a parent of a college student, you may be wondering how to support your child’s career aspirations and help them take advantage of the resources available to them. University-affiliated job placement services can be a key part of this process. These services are designed to help students navigate their career paths, secure internships, and eventually land full-time jobs after graduation. Here’s what you should know as a parent to help your student make the most of these valuable resources.
1. What Job Placement Services Offer
University-affiliated job placement services provide students with a range of tools to help them prepare for their careers. These services typically include:
- Resume and Cover Letter Assistance: Helping students craft professional, polished resumes and cover letters that highlight their strengths and experiences.
- Job Listings: Providing access to a database of job and internship opportunities specifically targeted to students.
- Career Counseling: Offering one-on-one sessions where students can discuss their career goals, explore career paths, and receive personalized advice.
- Mock Interviews: Organizing practice interviews to help students hone their interviewing skills and build confidence.
- Networking Opportunities: Hosting job fairs, career panels, and alumni networking events where students can connect with potential employers and mentors.
2. Why Job Placement Services Are Important
These services can be a game-changer for students, especially for those unsure of how to begin their job search. Here’s why they matter:
- Access to Exclusive Opportunities: Many universities have partnerships with companies that offer internships and full-time roles exclusively to their students. Through job placement services, your child can access these opportunities before they’re available to the general public.
- Guidance and Support: For students who may not know how to navigate the job market, these services provide the mentorship and guidance they need to succeed. Whether it’s selecting the right job or preparing for an interview, placement services are there to help every step of the way.
- Building Connections: Job placement services also connect students with alumni and industry professionals, which can open doors to mentorship and valuable career insights. Networking plays a significant role in finding job opportunities, and universities provide the platform to make those connections.
3. How Job Placement Services Can Help Your Student-Athlete
For parents of student-athletes, job placement services are especially beneficial in helping balance academics, athletics, and career planning. Here’s how they can be an asset:
- Time Management Advice: Student-athletes often juggle intense training schedules with academics. Career advisors can help them map out their time effectively to ensure they’re making the most of career opportunities while managing their athletic commitments.
- Leveraging Athletic Skills: Many student-athletes have valuable skills such as teamwork, leadership, discipline, and time management. Job placement services can help students highlight these qualities in their resumes and during interviews, making them appealing to potential employers.
- Career Exploration: Since many student-athletes may not know exactly what they want to do after graduation, these services help them explore career paths outside of professional sports. They can explore internships and job opportunities across a wide range of industries.
4. How Parents Can Support Their Child
As a parent, you play an essential role in encouraging your student to take advantage of these services. Here’s how you can help:
- Encourage Early Engagement: Encourage your child to start using job placement services early in their college career, not just as graduation nears. The more time they have to refine their resume, practice interviewing, and network, the better prepared they will be.
- Help Them Set Goals: Work with your student to set realistic career goals. What kind of job or internship are they interested in? What industries or companies appeal to them? Help them stay focused on their career objectives.
- Be a Sounding Board: Job searches can be stressful, and rejection is inevitable. Be there to listen to their concerns, provide encouragement, and remind them of the skills and strengths they bring to the table.
5. The Importance of Follow-Up
Once your child attends career fairs or meets with recruiters, it’s important to follow up. Job placement services can guide them on how to write professional thank-you emails or how to keep in touch with people they meet during networking events. A thoughtful follow-up can make a significant difference in showing initiative and interest.
6. Don’t Forget About the Alumni Network
Many universities have strong alumni networks that can be leveraged for career development. Job placement services often help connect students with alumni working in industries of interest. Encourage your child to take full advantage of these connections—alumni can offer insights, mentorship, and sometimes even job referrals.
7. Maximizing the Job Placement Experience
Encourage your child to be proactive in their use of job placement services. The more they engage, the more opportunities they’ll uncover. Some tips to make the most of the service include:
- Attend Career Fairs: These events are often the first place where students connect with employers. Many companies even conduct interviews on the spot.
- Schedule Regular Appointments with Career Advisors: Regular check-ins will help them stay on track with their job search and ensure they’re receiving the most up-to-date advice.
- Utilize Online Platforms: Many universities now offer virtual job fairs and online job boards. Encourage your child to use these tools to expand their job search beyond the on-campus opportunities.
By supporting your child’s engagement with university-affiliated job placement services, you are helping them take a crucial step toward their future career. These services offer guidance, connections, and resources that will support your child in successfully transitioning from college life to professional life. The more they invest in these opportunities, the more prepared they’ll be for the next chapter of their career journey.
