Students and alumni often turn to trusted family when they have concerns or questions about their future plans.  We are available to complement your advice.

• How can I help my student in the career decision making process?
• My student hasn't chosen a major or is questioning their major choice.  What can I do?
• I know that internships, extracurricular activities and employment are important but, … How can they manage their time?
• How can I get involved?
• My student has graduated. Can s/he/ze still use Career Services as a resource?

How can I help my student in the career decision making process?

Career decision-making is a process that takes time and attention.  A person needs to know his or her values, interests and skills, explore options in the world of work, develop goals and pursue experiences.  If students can practice these skills in college, they will be in better shape to manage their careers throughout life. 

Encourage them to begin in their first year or two by meeting with a career counselor.  They will make great progress by actively engaging in campus activities, volunteer experiences and their majors, then reflecting on how their experiences related to career areas.  Career Services is staffed by professionals trained to help students through every step of this process.

My student hasn't chosen a major or is questioning their major choice.  What can I do?

Choosing a major or questioning that choice can be a stressful endeavor for your student.  Here are a few questions you could ask:

• What are you interested in? 
• Why are you liking/disliking certain classes? 
• What different classes are you interested in taking?

The truth is that there is no major that guarantees a job in any field and most students find success through pursuing experiences that are interesting to them. Encourage your student to visit the Choosing a Major section of our website and come to Career Services for further assistance.

I know that internships, extracurricular activities and employment are important but, … How can they manage their time?

Internships, activities and employment:

• are attractive to employers and give students an advantage over those who have had no such experience.
• connect students with professionals, developing mentoring relationships and valuable contacts.
• supplement coursework and give students a chance to apply their knowledge and develop their skills in real world situations.

 What are the advantages of participating in an internship, extracurricular activities and/or employment?

• Leadership: Involvement in leadership development activities can enhance a student's application for scholarships, graduate school and employment. Leadership is one of the most attractive qualities an employer looks for - employers want innovative and creative individuals who are able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Professional Skills & Recommendations: Internships, activities and employment enable students to compete with peers after graduation by demonstrating hands on learning and/or professional skills. Internships and/or employment may lead to letters of recommendation from the employer, and students may even earn academic credit and money simultaneously. Employers are demanding more experience and rank internships the second most important quality in a candidate behind communication skills, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers.

 How can they balance these activities?

Time management is skill that can be practiced while a student balances academic demands with his/her internship, extracurricular activities and/or employment. Find opportunities that balance and/or apply what the student is learning in the classroom.  UVM offers many opportunities for students to develop their skills and interests including leadership seminars, teaching assistantships, and service learning courses.

How can I get involved?

• Join the Career Connections database:  Provide guidance and resources to UVM students and alumni about your field of work and/or your life's path. 
• Recruit/hire UVM students and alumni as employees or interns:  Attend a Job Fair or complete the On Campus Recruiting Form to set up a recruiting visit.

My student has graduated. Can s/he/ze still use Career Services as a resource?

Yes! Career Services supports and works with alumni. Please have your student/graduate contact us.