Career Exploration
...Sophomore year is a time for college students to learn about the fields that interest them. The exploration of several fields will allow your student to narrow down his or her specific interests, which can guide them to make an educated career choice later.
What can my student do?
- Students can use Optimal Resume to assist with constructing or updating a resume, then meet with a career counselor for a resume critique.
- Students should register with UBjobnet, our online resume and job search system and upload a resume.
- Students may consider a part-time job on campus related to his or her program of study.
- Your student can take courses from several areas to explore different fields and refine personal interests.
- Seeking leadership opportunities in campus organizations is also important.
- Interview people who are in one's chosen field and discuss their career path.
- Attending Job and Internship Fairs to begin searching for a summer job or internship is vital.
What can I do as a parent?
- Career Services will assist your student in preparing a good resume and finding opportunities to test their career choices.
- Suggest that your student talk with faculty and career advisers about potential choices and the resources that are available to help them make career choices.
- Don't insist upon a decision about a major or possible career choice immediately.
- Suggest learning a foreign language, developing computer skills, strengthening written and oral communication skills, problem-solving skills, ability to synthesize information, and research skills.
- Direct your child to family, friends, or colleagues who are in fields in which your student has an interest. "Informational interviewing" with people can be extremely helpful.
- Alumni in various career fields who are willing to share information with students about their careers are invaluable resources both in this exploratory stage and later as students are seeking internships and jobs.
*Adapted from
http://www.jobweb.com/parents.aspx?id=40&terms=parents