So, your student is off to college, and now you’re thinking about their future. When it comes to career development, parents can have a very strong role. However, there are times when the student needs to take the steering wheel. Here are three ways that parents often become overinvolved, and what you can do instead to help your student grow in their career development process.
Getting involved during the interview. Recently, I read an article about an employer who rejected a potential candidate because his mother showed up (and spoke out) in his Zoom interview. Now, I can imagine that the mother thought she was being the strongest advocate possible for her child, but ultimately the employer had concerns about the candidate’s ability to operate independently and to understand professional boundaries. His actual qualifications were overshadowed by the parent’s “good intentions.”
As a parent myself, I know the desire for your child to be successful and that sometimes it feels easier to swoop in and solve their problems for them, but there is a shift that happens in college where your student will be expected to handle the things that come their way.
Instead of getting involved during the interview itself, roleplay an interview with your student ahead of time. Get them thinking about the questions that they may be asked during an interview, and let them come up with answers that will show that they are capable and prepared for the role.
Writing their resume. At one of our orientation events, I had a student mention that his dad wrote his resume for him, and that he wasn’t sure of what it said. While I’m sure this father only wanted to help his son get ahead, resume writing is a crucial skill for students to develop. Especially as employers will expect them to know (and demonstrate) their own skills and experiences.
Resumes are all about reflection, so help your student out by asking them questions about their work history, what they learned, how it can apply towards other positions. You can help them edit their resume, and ensure that they are prepared to respond to questions that come up about their qualifications and work history.
Being a reference. Even though it’s very easy to sing your child’s praises, references should never include family members, close friends, or really anyone who can’t vouch for their work ethic. It would be a huge red flag if an applicant provided those who knew them personally, but none who knew them professionally.
Instead, help them build their network. Maybe you know someone who could serve as a good mentor or who has a lead on an opening, use those connections to help your student start building relationships on their own.
Megan Raney
Career Development Director