5 Ways to Begin
CAREER PREP IN THE FIRST YEAR By Mindy East
Starting college is exciting for students and for their families, too. You spent the summer getting ready for the move to campus and soaking up the time together. Once the semester starts, your student’s focus shifts to academics and adjusting to life on their own. With so much going on, it may seem silly to start talking about their career. However, the job search process is a marathon rather than a sprint, and starting early will set your student up for success. Here are five simple ways to begin career preparation during the first year of college.
1. Change the mindset. Contrary to widespread belief, students shouldn’t wait until senior year to begin thinking about possible careers. Talking about it as early as the first year can build both clarity and confidence for your student. College is about intellectual exploration and personal growth (and of course having fun), but make a point as well to talk about how the purpose of their time in college is to prepare them for life — and a career — after graduation. If your student understands that the goal of getting their degree is to join the workforce, they’ll see the benefits of making it a priority to participate in resume-building activities each year of college.
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2. Focus on building
3. Explore clubs and
Although GPA is only one factor employers consider when hiring graduates, it’s important to build a solid academic foundation as a firstyear student. Most universities require completion of general education courses before beginning higherlevel classes specific to a major and degree program. Even students who excelled academically in high school can benefit from building strong study habits early on, and using general education courses to learn how to study and excel will boost the grade point average right from the start.
Joining a club can be one of the most rewarding experiences in college and a fantastic addition to your student’s first resume. Clubs and organizations geared toward their career can give an early glimpse into their profession. It’s also a chance to meet older students with shared interests who can guide and mentor them. As a first-year student, it’s wise to be a member and participate — and as your student progresses through college, they should consider a leadership role as well.
strong study skills.
organizations related to their major.
Fall 2022
