University of Arkansas Career Guide - 2025 - Flipbook - Page 6
06
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Helpers
Guiding Your College Student's
Career Journey:
A Supportive Approach
As a parent/guardian, you play a vital role in supporting your student's career exploration
and success. Here's how you can help your student build a fulfilling and dynamic future.
EncourageSelf-Discovery- Help your student reflect on what excites and motivates them. Support their
exploration of different fields without pressuring them to choose a specific path too soon.
What subjects and activities interest you the most right now? How might you apply them in your future career1
Explorethe World of Work Together - Careers are more than job titles; they are ways of contributing to the
world in meaningful ways. Help them connect with family, friends, or alumni who work in fields they're curious
about to learn about emerging fields and how their skills might apply in unexpected ways.
Connect Learningwith Careers- Shift the focus from "What job does this major lead to?" to "How can what
you're learning apply to different careers?" It's normal for students to change majors or career goals as they learn
more, and skills, not majors, determine career paths.
Acknowledgethe Unknown- Many future career paths don't exist yet. Encourage curiosity , lifelong learning
and adaptability so they are prepared for evolving job markets shaped by technology and societal changes.
Remind them of times when they faced challenges and were able to pivot. Fulfilling futures often have ups and
downs that are opportunities for new learning and flexibility .
Get ExcitedAboutthe Future- Many future career paths don't exist yet. Support their dreams and aspirations
with enthusiasm and an open mind. When your student shares ideas about their future (even if it changes often),
ask, "What excites you about this idea? How can you try out skills needed for this future career right now?"
Make Meaning Out of College - Encourage your student to view college as more than just a step toward a job
and paycheck.
"How have your classes, campus activities, or other college experiences helped you figure out what matters to
you and how you might make an impact in your future career1"
Engage in Career DiscoveryActivities- Support them in gaining hands-on experience through internships,
research, volunteering, networking , and job shadowing. These experiences clarify interests and build skills.
EmpowerYour Student to Write Their Own Story - Remind them that their career path is theirs to create.
"What does success look like to you-not just in your career, but in your life-and how can you start building
toward that now in your own way?"
