Q When should my son or daughter start visiting Career Development?
Career Development invites students to use our services at any time--as prospective students considering attending Calvin, as freshmen trying to decide what major to select, as seniors seeking assistance with a job search, as alumni considering a career change. We recommend that students form a relationship with a career counselor as early as possible. Career counselors can help walk a student through the significant steps that are taken during college, helping the student make good choices to prepare for a career or graduate school after college. See our four year career plan for an outline of how students can interact with Career Development each year of their college life.
Q What should be my son or daughter's major?
Often, college majors do not translate into specific career fields. We encourage college students to choose classes and a major that they enjoy. All students graduating from Calvin will learn analytical, critical thinking, problem solving, and verbal and written communication skills that will serve them well in a variety of professions. Since workers in today's economy change professions an average of 7 times, it is valuable for students to learn broad skills, not just be trained in a narrow profession. However, career counselors are informed about what professions are in highest demand at any given time.
In order to help students decide on fields with which they may be compatible, Career Development offers career assessment: the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator and the Strong Interest Inventory. Encourage your son or daughter to take these assessments to help them explore their strengths, weaknesses, and interests.
Q What if my son or daughter doesn't know what career to pursue?
Many college students are unsure about what job they would like to pursue. Career counselors are available to meet with students individually to discuss their interests and potential options. Career assessments--the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator and the Strong Interest Inventory--can assist in this process.
We encourage students to participate in internships while at Calvin so that they can try out various careers. Also, we suggest that students take advantage of our AlumNet--a binder available in our office that contains the names and contact information of Calvin alumni who have expressed a willingness to speak with students about various career options. Informational interviews with people involved in a profession can give students a better idea about the realities of the work in various careers.
Q How does having a liberal arts background affect my son or daughter's career?
Since most of today's undergraduates will change careers multiple times over the course of their professional lives, the emphasis on critical thinking, creative problem solving, and verbal and written communication skills as well as a broad background in a wide variety of subjects will equip the liberal arts student well. Liberal arts colleges instill a love of learning and curiosity in a range of disciplines, giving the liberal arts student a solid foundation for a variety of careers.
Q How can parents and family members help with the job search and exploration process?
Support of loved ones during the career exploration process is important for students. Parents and family members can speak with students about their interests and encourage them to explore various areas of study and career options. If your son or daughter is interested in a career and you know someone who works in that profession, offer to arrange an informational interview or a job shadow day. Also, encourage your son or daughter to visit Career Development to take advantage of our services. Any parent or family member with questions about career exploration or the job search process is also invited to contact Career Development to speak with a counselor.
Q What is an internship, how important are internships, and how can my son or daughter find an internship?
An internship is a monitored work experience that establishes a balance between the intern's learning goals and the employer's needs. Internships can be part-time or full-time; during the spring, summer, or fall semester; paid or unpaid; for-credit or non-credit.
Internships are becoming increasingly important as students across the country are gaining internship experiences. They are important for several reasons:
-they help students determine if they'll enjoy a job in their field after graduation,
-they provide valuable, real-world work experience that enhances a resume, and
-they serve as a foot in the door of a company, or at least can result in positive recommendations for a job after graduation.
According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, internships are employers' #1 method of recruiting new hires.
Career Development has an internal web listing on KnightVision of open internship position, accessible to students who attend a one hour internship training seminar (or watch the video recording later). Students can apply for internships that are advertised on this site, and they are also encouraged to use networking to seek internship positions. Parents and parents' friends and acquaintances can serve as invaluable resources for students seeking internships. If you know someone in a field in which your son or daughter has an interest, let your student know of this possible resource. Additional internship information is available on our Web site.
Q How can my son or daughter find a job after graduation?
Career counselors are available to meet with Calvin students and alumni to plan and strategize how to find a job after graduation. Counselors help critique cover letters and resumes, conduct practice interviews, and equip students with a variety of career searching techniques.
Additionally, Calvin students and alumni have access to CalvinLink, a job posting/searching Web site. Career Development receives postings daily that are added to CalvinLink, and employers also post positions themselves. Students and alumni can post their resumes on CalvinLink for employers to view as well.
Career Development also has developed a Career Resource Center on the 2nd floor of Hekman Library. The center is equipped with computers, magazines, books, and other resources related to careers. A career counselor is available for walk-in appointments weekdays during the school year.
Q What do employers look for in a candidate?
Employers generally seek motivated candidates who are equipped with verbal and written communication skills and posses leadership and teamwork attributes. Employers consider a candidate's academic background, appearance, professionalism, experience (including work, internship, and volunteer), and demeanor during the interview. Employers appreciate candidates who demonstrate initiative by placing a follow-up call after applying for a position, sending a thank-you note following an interview, etc. They want to see that a candidate is genuinely interested in the position rather than sensing that a candidate applied to 20 different positions in hope of receiving any job. We encourage students to work with a career counselor to learn these skills and to practice interviewing. With enough practice, even the most timid student can become adept at interviewing.
Q My son or daughter is interested in graduate school. Should he or she go to graduate school directly after college? What should he or she do to prepare?
Some students need a break from school after graduating from college. It is important for students to begin graduate school well-rested and motivated. Students can consult with a career counselor regarding timing for graduate school.
Students who are interested in graduate school should meet with faculty in their discipline of interest to discuss graduate school options. Career counselors can advise students about general graduate school admissions, but faculty will have the inside scoop into their field. Students should research various graduate programs to discover the admissions requirements (many business schools, for example, require full-time work experience prior to applying). Our Career Resource Center contains helpful information about graduate school.
Q I am an employer or work in a company that may be interested in hiring Calvin alumni. How can I be linked with qualified Calvin students and alumni who are seeking jobs?
As parents and professionals, you are a great resource both to your own family as well as to other Calvin students and alumni. You can provide internships within your organization or encourage those who make such decisions to do so. You can promote Calvin at your workplace and encourage on-campus interviewing to help establish a relationship between Calvin and your employer. You can also make use of CalvinLink, posting job openings there. More information on how Career Development works with employers is available on our Web site. |
