CAREER SERVICES
Career Services helps Penn students define their career goals and take the steps necessary to achieve them. This includes helping students find internships and permanent jobs as well as gain admission to graduate and professional schools. Parents can visit the “Career Services Parents” webpage, careerservices.upenn.edu/channels/parents for general information and year-by-year advice.
Q
How can I help my student make the most of Penn and get a good start on life after graduation? College offers students a chance to try out new roles, take more control over their lives, and assert their independence. While some parents are excited by their student’s newfound sense of confidence, others worry that their influence is waning. We can assure you from our experience advising students on career issues that parents’ opinion and approval matter tremendously. Our research shows that parents, not faculty members or peers, have the primary influence on students’ career choices. Some students make decisions to please their parents, only to agonize over this reasoning. Others make decisions they know will disappoint their parents, and then remain conflicted in the aftermath. Know that your son or daughter is likely considering you in career planning even if he or she does not express it.
A
Parents can help students adjust to independence and responsibilities. You can reinforce your belief in your student’s talents and affirm her or his ability to make sound decisions. Self-confidence is a fundamental asset in any profession. One way students develop this trait is by knowing that the important people in their lives believe in them. Encourage your student to seek out and use a variety of resources to stay informed, answer questions, or cope with disappointing career news. While most students do their research online and undervalue in-person interaction, these face-to-face encounters remain extremely important. Career Services offers an array of programs and can help students connect with an extensive network of alumni who are eager to meet and assist Penn students. Faculty, house deans, academic advisors, staff, and counselors throughout the University are available to help your student think through and understand the consequences of different choices. Parents may also connect their students to personal and professional contacts who can serve as career resources.
22
collegiateparent.com/school/university-of-pennsylvania
