As the parent of a Calvin student, you may have questions about your son or daughter's career directions after graduation. More parent resources >>
Glenn emphasizes the following with parents: |
It’s NORMAL for first-year students not to know what their major is and future career will be.
It’s NORMAL for students to switch ideas on major and career as they grow and mature. These are developmentally linked and experientially based. What’s a parent to do in the meantime? Be patient during the development process while God reveals His will for each student's life.
It’s NORMAL for parents, seeing the student struggle, to want to provide answers. Open-ended questions prove to be more effective. Examples of good questions: What are you learning? What are you enjoying? How are you growing? What are you involved in? Are you doing your job? (the job of being a good and faithful student)
It’s NORMAL (highly suggested) for parents to encourage students to see a career counselor within the first year of college. Why? Because career counselors want to get to know students, find out where they are developmentally, establish a relationship and help them discover God’s will for their lives and how they can best spend their time and talents.
Q and A
Q When should my son or daughter start visiting career development?
Q What should my son or daughter major in?
Q What if my son or daughter doesn't know what career to pursue?
Q How does having a liberal arts background affect my son or daughter's career?
Q How can family members help with the job search and exploration process?
Q What about internships?
Q How can my son or daughter find a job after graduation?
Q What do employers look for in a candidate?
Q What about graduate school?
Q My company may be interested in hiring from Calvin. How can I be linked with students and alumni who are seeking jobs?
Q When should my son or daughter start visiting career development?
A Students may use our services any time—prospective students considering Calvin, first-year students trying to choose a major, seniors seeking a job, alumni considering a career change. Students should form a relationship with a career counselor as early as possible. Career counselors walk a student through the steps taken during college, helping the student make good choices to prepare for a career or graduate school. See our four year career plan.
Q What should my son or daughter major in?
A Often, college majors do not translate into specific career fields. We encourage students to choose a major that they enjoy. Calvin students will learn analytical, critical thinking, problem solving and communication skills, valuable in a variety of professions. Since workers in today's economy change professions an average of 7 times, employees need broad skills, not narrow training. However, career counselors are informed about what professions are in highest demand.
To help students decide on appropriate fields, we offer the Myers-Briggs, Strong Interest Inventory and StrengthsFinder. Encourage your son or daughter to take these assessments to explore strengths, weaknesses and interests.
Q What if my son or daughter doesn't know what career to pursue?
A Many college students are unsure about career choices. Career counselors meet with students to discuss their interests and options. Career assessments (Myers-Briggs, Strong Interest Inventory, and StrengthsFinder) assist in this process.
Students should participate in internships to try out various careers. Students can also network with Calvin alumni and conduct informational interviews.
Q How does having a liberal arts background affect my son or daughter's career?
A Since most of today's undergraduates will change careers multiple times, the emphasis on critical thinking, problem solving and communication skills as well as a broad background in a variety of subjects will equip liberal arts students well. Liberal arts colleges instill a love of learning and curiosity in a range of disciplines, giving students a solid foundation for a variety of careers.
Q How can family members help with the job search and exploration process?
A Support of loved ones during the career exploration process is important. Family members can speak with students about their interests and encourage them to explore various options. If your son or daughter is interested in a career and you know someone who works in that profession, arrange an informational interview or a job shadow day. Also, encourage your son or daughter to visit our office.
A 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 for several reasons:
- they help students determine if they'll enjoy a type of work
- they provide real-world work experience that enhances a resume
- they serve as a foot in the door of a company, or at least can result in positive recommendations and networking contacts
According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, internships are employers' #1 method of recruiting new hires.
We have an online listing of open internships, as well as training materials to help students prepare. Students can apply for advertised internships; they can also network to find a position. Parents and parents' friends serve as valuable resources for students seeking internships; connect your son or daughter with people you know.
Q How can my son or daughter find a job after graduation?
A Career counselors are available to meet with students and alumni to help find a job. Counselors critique cover letters and resumes, conduct practice interviews, and equip students with a variety of job searching techniques.
Additionally, Calvin students and alumni have access to CalvinLink, a job posting/searching Web site. Positions are added to this site daily. Job seekers can post their resumes on CalvinLink for employers to view.
The career resource center on the 2nd floor of Hekman Library contains 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?
A Employers seek motivated candidates who are equipped with communication skills and possess leadership and teamwork attributes. Employers consider a candidate's academic background, appearance, professionalism, experience (including work, internship and volunteer) and demeanor during the interview. They 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.
A 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 advise students about general graduate school admissions, but faculty have the inside scoop into their field. Students should research various graduate programs to discover 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 My company may be interested in hiring from Calvin. How can I be linked with students and alumni who are seeking jobs?
A As parents and professionals, you can be a great resource to Calvin students and alumni. Provide internships within your organization or encourage those who make such decisions to do do. Promote Calvin at your workplace. Post your openings on CalvinLink. Get more information on how we work with employers.
See more information (from the National Association of Colleges and Employers)
about parental roles related to a student's career development.
