Career Development Conversation Starters

A 6-alumni panel with a screen behind displaying topics related to jobs in big data. Audience members are in the foreground.

Fall break is the perfect time to check in with your student about their career exploration and preparation journey.

Families can have a strong influence on a student’s decision making, including their career exploration process. Here’s an update on �Ĳʿ��’s latest Career Services offerings, and some suggested conversation starters on timely action items to chat about with your students.

What to Know

Programs Offered So Far

First-Year Jumpstart (Sept. 5–7) introduced �Ĳʿ��’s four-year career development plan and identified key programs and action steps for this academic year. 
Sophomore Jumpstart (Aug. 29–Sept. 1) outlined next steps in �Ĳʿ��’s four-year career development plan and identified key programs and action steps for this academic year.  
Career Exploration Week (Sept. 26–29) introduced first-years, sophomores, and juniors to dozens of �Ĳʿ�� alumni through 11 industry exploration panels. Attendees had an opportunity to learn about the range of professional roles within industries and hear advice directly from our dedicated alumni.

Upcoming and Ongoing Programs

For First-years, Sophomores, and Juniors

Alumni Career Exploration Conversations (mid-October and November): Students are invited to be matched with an alumni volunteer for a career exploration conversation. Participants will be oriented by our staff on networking etiquette and learning to make the most of opportunities to connect with professional contacts. In the past two years, Career Services has matched more than 1,000 students and alumni volunteers for these conversations. 

For Sophomores

SophoMORE Connections (January 20–21, 2023): All sophomores are strongly encouraged to attend our most robust alumni-student engagement event. Registration will occur in November for this nationally recognized two-day career development conference. Attendees will return to campus on January 19 to participate in this event prior to the start of the semester. 

For All Students

Skill Building Workshops (ongoing): Students are invited to join Career Services professional staff for skills-based workshops across topics such as developing a targeted resume, writing strong cover letters, networking, and internship/job search. Current offerings are available on Handshake. 
Family Weekend Programming (October 22, 10 a.m., 213 Benton Hall): Career Services looks forward to welcoming parents and family members to learn about the four-year career development plan. 
Virtual and In-Person Information Sessions (ongoing): Employers are excited to talk with students through in-person and virtual information sessions, 1:1 coffee chats, and small group conversations. These are prime opportunities to make a professional connection and learn about an employer committed to hiring �Ĳʿ�� students.

What to Talk �Ĳʿ��

Here are some tips to start a conversation with your student.

No matter what class year your student is:

Discuss your own career exploration experiences
Actively listen and be supportive 
Encourage action and exploration
 Allow your student to make their own choices

A great place to start is, Have you taken part in any fall career services programs so far?

If yes:  

Which ones?  
What did you find most helpful?  
What surprised you?  
What do you plan to do next to keep your exploration going?

If no:  

How can you get things rolling with your career development exploration?
Have you looked into upcoming programs being offered by Career Services? 
What is one action step you could take?

Exploration is an essential part of a student’s liberal arts experience. Their self-awareness and knowledge will grow over time. Encourage your student to apply the insight gained through these programs whenever they need to evaluate a new opportunity, such as selecting next semester’s classes, deciding whether to join a club, or applying to an internship. Building that habit will help them to make more intentional decisions such as selecting a major, thinking about career interests, or deciding on job offers or graduate education.

— Olsen is assistant vice president for career initiatives.

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