New Career Directions -For Parents of Students- Helping your student maximize their degree in today’s job market

Today’s Job Market: What parents need to know. Today’s job market is uncertain, as employers expect to hire fewer graduates than they have in the past. So it’s not surprising that your student – and you- may be feeling a little anxious right now. For these reasons, it is helpful to understand the new ways of thinking and preparing in today’s job market.

Today’s Job Market: What parents need to know. These days college graduates are not only competing for jobs with each other, but also with a growing amount of unemployed populations and retirees seeking to return to work. Fewer jobs and more applicants mean that your student’s perfect dream job may not be on the horizon. And your support and encouragement will be crucial as they look towards Plan B possibilities.

It’s a Competitive Market You have probably been through a few job searches yourself over the years. All of those experiences provide valuable insight as you support your student through their career development. However, today’s uber-competitive job market creates a different environment for college graduates than what you may have faced.

How You Can Help There are a many ways you can help your student as they begin searching for their first career. Understanding the current job market Offering support during the various career development phases Affirming the value in networking and gaining experience. Helping your students identify personal interests, skills, and talents. Encouraging exploration of all career options and opportunities. Connecting your student with people, places, and professions Finding the right “parental involvement” balance. These are all valuable ways to support your career seeking student. There will be ups and downs, thrills and dives, and challenges and rewards along the way. Similar to all previous parenting moments, knowing when to step in, or step aside, will be your main objective.

How You Can Help You can also help your student begin building on their natural skills. 21st century employers are looking for the following abilities in employees. The ability to learn The ability to see patterns The ability to take risks The ability to act Understanding of the fact that constant change is the only constant in the workplace. That in the 21st century, EVERYONE must be an entrepreneur.

Year by Year Career planning doesn’t just happen the final year of college! If the planning is done well, it can make all the difference when the actual job search begins. Here are some ways that you can lend your student some “career planning support” throughout their college career.

Year by Year First Year The Year of Assessment & Exploration Affirm what you see as your student’s natural skills and talents. Be open to all your student’s career interests Ask questions about your student’s long-term goals and plans Encourage balanced involvement in campus activities.

Year by Year Second Year The Year of Setting the Stage Encourage your student to use career planning resources on their campus. Introduce your student to people in professions that they are considering Discuss financial literacy: the importance of maintaining good credit, costs of insurance, benefits they will need after graduation, etc…

Year by Year Third Year The Year of Experience & Experimentation Help your student develop realistic expectations about their “chosen career.” What is the average starting salary? Where are the jobs located? What are long-term opportunities for professional growth? Encourage ongoing review and revision of her resume. Assist her in identifying potential references Promote experience, experience, experience!

Year by Year Fourth Year The Year of the Hunt Encourage her participation in all career planning workshops Ask her how you can lead support during her search When she is offered a job, sit down and go through the various compensation and benefits information. Be patient! The career search process takes time. Check in with your student now and then and be sure to talk about things besides the job search. Life goes on and your student needs you to model for them that there is more to their final year of college than finding a job.

Foot in the Door Foot in the Door experiences are more crucial now than ever. They give your student experience, connections, and insight into the world of work and make them more competitive in the job market. Examples of these experiences include: Internships & Practicums Job Shadowing

Experience = Skills Every experience your student has offers them an opportunity to add to their skill-set. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) Job Outlook 2009 Survey, the top ten personal qualities/skills being sought are: Communication skills Strong work ethic Teamwork skills (works well with others) Initiative Analytical skills Computer skills Flexibility/adaptability Interpersonal skills (relates well to others) Problem-solving skills Technical skills

Experience = Skills The skills your student develops in college can transfer to the needs of a particular employer if your student “sells” them correctly. Student Experience Transferable Skill Served as a tutor Teaching, working with diverse people Planned events with a group Teamwork, event planning, multi-tasking Designed theater sets Building, planning, facilitating Coordinated an intramurals team Coaching, organizing, teamwork, motivation Presented research in class Public speaking, teaching Created an organization's website Using new media, technological skills Organizational fundraising Sales, organization, outreach, cooperation Promoted programs on campus Marketing, public relations, writing Managed peer groups Supervising, delegating, evaluating

The New Age of Networking It comes easy to some students, but is a bit harder for others. Introducing yourself to potential employers is an important part of the job search process. There are a lot of avenues your student can use to network these days.

The New Age of Networking Social Networking While many people use social network sites like Facebook and MySpace to reconnect with old friends and create new ones, many also use these sites to meet and learn about future employers. Some employers are even recruiting through sites such as these.

The New Age of Networking Word to the Wise If your student chooses to use social networking sites for professional networking, here are a few tips to keep in mind. Pick one site that will be used specifically for professional networking ONLY. Post only professional content, avoid posting personal information and pictures Post a current resume on your site Keep your profile clean, simple, and updated Communicate professional endeavors you are currently working on and the results of each Encourage “network friends” who know your previous work to provide online references. Important: An increasing number of employers are checking social networking sites when considering whom to hire for a job. Questionable content could sabotage your student’s chances of being hired.

The New Age of Networking NETWORK Tips to share with your student. N- Nurture relationships- once you make a connection, keep it going E- Establish connections- find a mentor, attend events & become known T- Talk with alums- they’re often eager to help students succeed W- Write thank you notes/letters- you’ll remain positively in people’s minds as a result. O- Offer assistance- its not just about what you “get” from people R- Really be real- be genuine, show your interest & be YOU! K- Keep at it- perseverance will get you far.

Considering All Your Options These are some examples of alternatives to the more traditional workforce. Nonprofits such as advocacy centers, fundraising, Lobbying, research and event planning, grant writing. Volunteering such as with AmeriCorps, Teach for America, or The Peace Corps

Considering All Your Options cont… Government Jobs The number of federal, state, and regional government jobs are increasing with stimulus funds creating new jobs and baby boomers retiring. These jobs can be found near military bases and in Washington D.C. Sites that can offer more information: www.usajobs.com www.usa.gov/Citizen/Topics/Work_for_the_Goverment.shtml

Considering All Your Options cont… Entrepreneurial Possibilities Has your student considered starting a business? Many campuses and communities offer entrepreneurial resources to help pave the way. Trusted faculty and staff might agree to serve as consultants. Certain classes might have student’s design a business plan as part of a class project.

Considering All Your Options cont… Working for Small Business Small businesses often have very dedicated, loyal workforces. Is there a business your student admires? They can consider contacting them by sending a résumé and then following up with a phone call, They could also consider asking to job shadow someone within the business to get a feel for the job. You never know where they might find a great fit!

Considering All Your Options cont… Green Jobs “Green collar jobs” and green alternatives are becoming more and more of the norm. Some of the growing green fields include: Alternative fuel development Environmental journalism Sustainable building Organic farming/community gardens Sustainable food service Environmental education Outreach/Administration for sustainable nonprofits Clean Energy Solar/wind engineering

The Dos & Don’ts: Parenting a Career-Seeking Student Do- Encourage the use of available campus resources Don’t – Push earning potential as a sole decision-making factor Do- Offer to forward information you find on career options or job openings to your student. Don’t- Undervalue the importance of unpaid internships or practicums. The value may not be in the dollar offered today, but rather the value in the salary offered when your student secures a job because of that unpaid experience.

The Dos & Don’ts: Parenting a Career-Seeking Student Do- Be aware that the majority of students change their major AT LEAST ONCE and that finding the right vocational fit is part of the higher learning experience. Don’t- Conduct an internship or job search for your student. Avoid calling potential employers, serving as a reference or checking up on your student’s application status. Do- Ask intentional questions to help your student filter through what can feel like an over-whelming experience and decision- making process. Do- Celebrate every step made during the career planning and search process. Recognize the success and the failures as part of the journey and the lessons learned.

Career Questions to Ask Your Student What have been some of your favorite classes? Why? What do you really care about and want to contribute to? What majors float to the top given your favorite classes and passions? How does this major(s) relate to career options of interest? What research have you done or could you do on some of these career options? Information in this presentation taken from brochure New Career Directions: Helping your student in Today’s Job Market. Ways to maximize a Degree, published by PaperClip Communications