• Encourage your children to self-assess themselves and explore areas that interest them
  We believe that career decisions are best made when one has a thorough understanding of themselves - who they are, what they like, what they are good at and what is important to them. We teach students a basic career decision making model (link to career decision model diagram page) that can be used no matter what their career question is.
• Share your own career experiences
  Your own career stories will help your student begin to see careers in concrete terms. Later, they will try out their own ideas through internships and summer jobs. Your stories can be particularly helpful if you have been through a career change or worked during challenging economic times.
• Be a networking contact
  In addition to your own story, who do you know that might also share their story with your son or daughter? Informational interviews (link to informational interview page) are one of the best ways for students to gain real world insights before making career decisions.
• Be aware that work has changed
  The work world has changed and continues to do so at an accelerated pace. While your own experiences are of great value, be aware that the processes for gaining employment are not the same. Everything - job descriptions, employment listings, job requirements, resumes, interviewing, and advancement tracks has changed for most occupations.
• Encourage your student to take charge of his/her career
  If your son or daughter asks you questions that relate to their future major or career choices, refer them to UCS (link to UCS main web page). Studies have showed that students that use their career services office all through their college years are better prepared for their job search and find more satisfying jobs faster than students who wait until senior year to use services.

We look forward to working with your children and in being partners with you.