The Career Center knows that college and career success are a family-wide effort! We offer the tips and resources below regarding ways you can help—as well as things to avoid—in supporting your student's success.
Career development is a process, not a single decision, and every student's journey looks different. One of the most valuable things families can do is offer encouragement while allowing students to take ownership of their career journey. That's how confidence, independence and career readiness grow.
What to Expect: The Basics of Career Development
Career planning starts early, and continues throughout college
Many students think about careers as something to figure out during senior year. In reality, career development happens throughout the college experience. Students explore interests, build skills, gain experience and make career decisions over time. You can help your students understand that the earlier they begin engaging in this process, the more opportunities they'll have to learn and grow.
Experience outside the classroom matters
Employers value academic achievement, but they also look for evidence that students can apply what they've learned in the form of part-time jobs, internships, undergraduate research, volunteering and student organizations. These experiences help students explore potential career paths and develop career readiness competencies such as critical thinking, professionalism and leadership skills.
On-campus jobs can be valuable career preparation
Students sometimes view on-campus jobs as simply a way to earn money. In reality, these experiences help students build communication, teamwork, problem-solving and other professional skills that employers value. Students who hold at least one part-time job while enrolled are 1.5 times more likely to secure career-oriented employment after graduation.
A major does not determine a career
While a university degree remains a powerful key for opening doors of opportunity, only about 27% of college graduates work in a field directly matching their major, according to a Washington Post poll. In fact, many careers are open to university graduates from a variety of academic backgrounds. Rather than focusing solely on "What job will this major lead to?", encourage your student to think about the knowledge, skills, experiences and interests they are developing while at UC Davis.
Support Strategies for Parents and Families
Ways to Support
Talk about interests, not just careers.
Ask about favorite classes, activities, projects and experiences. These conversations often reveal interests and strengths that can inform future career decisions.
Encourage curiosity and exploration.
Reinforce that it is okay to have multiple interests and not have everything figured out. Encourage your student to ask questions, explore options and try new experiences.
Help them recognize their growth.
Discuss the skills and knowledge they're building through classes, jobs, internships, research, leadership and extracurricular activities.
Encourage faculty and advisor connections.
Suggest that students attend professor office hours and meet with their academic advisors to discuss majors, careers and opportunities related to their interests.
Promote professional networking.
Encourage informational interviews with professionals in fields of interest to learn about industries, roles and career paths.
Encourage involvement beyond the classroom.
Support your student's participation in internships, research, campus jobs, student organizations, volunteering and leadership experiences. These experiences help students clarify their interests and build valuable skills.
Encourage use of Career Center programs.
Career Center services like career fairs, employer information sessions, workshops and advising appointments can help students explore options, build confidence and connect with employers.
Help connect students to opportunities.
If you work for an organization that hires interns, part-time employees or new graduates, consider sharing opportunities with the UC Davis Career Center. Visit our Employer Portal to learn more.
Things to Avoid
Don't expect immediate answers.
Career development is a process. As they accumulate academic and co-curricular experiences throughout college, students often refine their goals.
Don't compare your student to others.
Every student's timeline and career journey will be different. You can help them understand what works best for them or when it is appropriate to engage in certain activities.
Don't choose a career path for your student.
Students are more likely to thrive when their choices align with their own interests, values and strengths. You can help your students explore their options by encouraging them to use resources like the Career Center.
Don't take over the process.
Learning how to represent themselves to employers is an important experience for students. Always let your student take the lead on applications, networking conversations, internship searches and employer communications.
Don't contact employers on your student's behalf.
Families should avoid writing/submitting applications for your students, emailing or calling employers directly or sitting in on interviews. These are red flags that students are not ready for the workforce.
Encourage Your Student to Connect with the Career Center
The Career Center can help students:
- Explore majors and careers
- Find internships and jobs
- Build resumes and cover letters
- Prepare for interviews
- Attend career fairs
- Connect with employers and alumni
Quick Links
- Career Advising
- Resume Writing Resources
- Career Fairs
- Events & Workshops
- Handshake
- Career Center Newsletter
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Please note: Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), all student educational and career records are confidential. Career Center staff cannot discuss a student's career advising, job search status or application materials with parents or guardians without the student's written, signed consent. Parents are encouraged to discuss career progress and job searches directly with their students.