Office of Career Planning

10 Tips for parents

Adapted from The Parent's Crash Course in Career Planning: Helping Your College Student Succeed (VGM Career Books, 1996) by Marcia B. Harris and Sharon L. Jones.

1.) Choosing a Career/Choosing a Major

Security vs. adventure. Accountant, Peace Corps volunteer, journalist, college professor. Ultimately, your student should make the choice that is right for them.   You may want to mention a few factors to consider, such as job market demand, salary ranges, long-range opportunities, or skills required. 

2.) Choosing to Double Major/Choosing a Major and Minor

Most employers do not favor applicants with double major. A second major will usually require extra semesters and does not necessarily enhance a student’s marketability. There are some exceptions for obtaining a second major or a major and minor for a specific career, such as English and chemistry for technical writing, or a health policy major and business minor for hospital administration.
Some students may choose to double major strictly for their own academic purposes.  Become familiar with your student's goals, the necessary requirements to complete them, and support your student in obtaining their goal. 

3.) Grade Point Average (GPA)

Starting college can be a difficult adjustment and some students may take time to adjust to their schedule and academic lifestyle.  Encourage your student to place their academic achievement at a high priority.  Pulling up poor grades can sometimes be a difficult task.  Familiarize yourself with Terra Dotta University's policy on advanced placement credits and study abroad courses - these scores may not be considered when calculating GPA. 

4.) Obtaining Marketable Skills

Many employers today put more emphasis on applicants’ skills rather than on their academics. Encourage your student to become proficient in at least two or three of the following areas:

• Computer skills (e.g., programming, word processing, spreadsheets, data base management, e-mail, Internet);
• Quantitative skills (e.g., accounting, statistics, economics);
• Communication skills (e.g., written and oral);
• Marketing/selling skills (e.g., sales, publicity, fundraising);
• Scientific skills (e.g., lab skills, scientific research);
• Foreign language skills (e.g., especially Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, or Russian);
• Leadership skills (e.g., supervisory, extracurricular leadership roles, teamwork/team leader).