The Important Role of the Parent

As a parent, you have the opportunity to support and encourage your student through the four stages of the career development process. In addition, you also have the opportunity to build a partnership with the CCM to satisfy your own organizations' recruiting needs.

Assisting in self-discovery (Stage 1)

During the freshman year, parents can encourage their son or daughter to visit the CCM for referrals to personality and skills assessments. Parents can also provide feedback gained from their observations regarding their child's interests, skills, and personality. Parents should also keep in mind that a certain amount of indecision is natural, and encourage their student to seek out all available resources.

Assisting in career exploration (Stage 2)

During the sophomore year, parents can encourage their student to narrow down their career options by researching and talking with people employed in careers of interest. Parents can also encourage students to begin networking through career-related events, shadowing, and informational interviewing, and developing their resume.

Assisting in gaining relevant experience (Stage 3)

Parents can support their student obtaining co-ops/internships, volunteer, or part-time work experiences during their junior year. Helping their son/daughter connect with people and experiences that will allow him or her to explore a career field is extremely beneficial.

Assisting in the transition to an employee (Stage 4)

Prior to graduation, parents can act as motivators preparing their son/daughter to take action and continue moving forward. It is important that they encourage their son/daughter to begin the job search process early, by getting involved with the CCM. If the student is interested in going to graduate school, he or she should discuss graduate school plans with their academic advisor and begin preparing for entrance examinations.

Building a partnership

Please consider building a partnership with the CCM in support of your student and all the students in The University of Akron community. We want to help students learn about the many different career options that they can explore. Please consider sharing your time, career expertise, and knowledge with us by developing co-op/internship and job opportunities within your organization and/or by participating in career programming.