Parent's Guide to Career Planning

First Year – Parent's Role

• Encourage your student to make grades a top priority
• Encourage your student to meet with each of their professors regularly
• Talk with your student about the different campus activities that might match their interests
• Encourage your student to plan early to find a summer job that may match their career interests

Sophomore Year – Parent's Role

• If your student is undecided about their major or career choice, encourage them to visit the Center for Career & Professional Development
• Talk with your student about the different career and major choices they are considering
• Encourage your student to follow their vocational dreams and make the choices that fit
• Help your student come up with a list of your friends or relatives that may work in a field of interest
• Encourage your student to obtain a career-related internship experience over the summer

Junior Year – Parent's Role

• Encourage your student to take advantage of leadership opportunities at Whitworth
• Encourage your student to attend Whitworth's Career and Professional Development events and education
• Discuss employment and graduate school options with your student
• Encourage your student to obtain a career-related experience that matches their career goals

Senior Year – Parent's Role

• Ask your student how you can help
• Listen to the fears/concerns your student is expressing
• Talk with your student about their career goals and how their interests and skills relate to them
• Encourage your student to complete a resume and participate in on-campus interviews
• Encourage your student to attend Whitworth's Career and Professional Development events and education
• Encourage your student to get assistance with their job search from the Center for Career & Professional Development
• Ask your student about their graduate or professional school plans
• Listen, be patient and don't worry