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Parents - Helping with Career Decisions

The Advising, Internships & Career Center staff values the vital role parents play in the career decisions of their son or daughter. Below are some ways in which we encourage you to support them in their career decision-making process, as well as throughout their internship and/or job search.

Be a LISTENER: Choosing a career can be a stressful and confusing time. However, when a student has a supportive ear to listen, it can be a time of excitement and exploration. For a parent, this means setting aside any preset agendas and truly listening. Try to see the situation from your son's or daughter's perspective and avoid giving advice unless asked. This is a fine line to walk for parents who have their child's best interests in mind.

Be an ADVOCATE: When something has the potential to cause stress, it is easy to put it aside until later. Career decisions are often put off until senior year. To make a more insightful and beneficial choice, encourage your child to begin early. Encourage your son or daughter to start the career process in their first year at Dickinson. Meeting with a counselor early and attending relevant workshops can make a world of difference when it is time to begin seeking an internship, job or graduate program.

Be a NETWORKING RESOURCE: Even in the age of technology, most students find their jobs through the art of personal connections. Through your own life experiences, you have a multitude of connections with friends, family, colleagues, community organizations, and neighbors. Having your son or daughter talk with people in fields of interest to them will provide valuable information for making career choices.

Be a STORYTELLER: This is the most enjoyable part. Sharing your own career story and those of others you know will alleviate some of their fear of the unknown. Students often get caught up in the thought that there is only one perfect career for a person. The reality is that the average person in the workforce today may have seven to ten job changes and three or more career changes. Sharing your career journey is likely to relieve anxiety from a potentially stressful process.

The Advising, Internships & Career Center can and should be an integral part of your son or daughter’s life here throughout their four years here at Dickinson. However, unlike classes which are required for graduation, participating in our programs and utilizing our services is entirely voluntary. Our office will contact students on a regular basis, but we cannot require them to visit us. As parents, your support and encouragement will increase the probability that your son or daughter will use our services.