Supporting Your Student’s Major and Career Decisions
You’ve been their biggest supporter through high school. Now, as they navigate college and career decisions, your role is evolving from decision-maker to trusted advisor. Your student is participating in structured career exploration through evidence-based assessment tools and professional guidance. This guide will help you support their journey while strengthening your relationship and their confidence in their choices.
Quick Links to Topics
- Understanding Today’s Career Landscape
- Assessment Tools Your Student Is Using
- Productive Conversation Starters
- Supporting Different Types of Major Decisions
- Programs and Resources for Your Student
Understanding Today’s Career Landscape
Career Flexibility is the New Normal
- Average person changes careers (not just jobs) 5-7 times
- Many of today’s most in-demand jobs didn’t exist 10 years ago
- Skills and adaptability matter more than a specific degree
- Multiple career pivots are expected and valuable
The Modern Job Market
- Remote work has expanded geographic opportunities
- Entrepreneurship and freelancing are viable career paths
- Continuous learning and skill development are essential
- Networking and personal branding significantly impact success
Educational Investment
- College is still valuable, but the specific major is less predictive of success
- Internships, experiences, and soft skills are equally important
- Graduate school can redirect career paths when needed
- Student debt requires strategic thinking about career ROI
Assessment Tools Your Student is Using
All freshman students will take both of these assessments during their First Year Seminar (FYE) course as part of the university’s Quality Enhancement Plan: Ready Day 1 Connect. Ready Day 1 Connect aims to increase students’ ability to recognize career competencies relevant to their career path, confidently articulate these competencies in professional settings, and improve employers’ perceptions of our Eagles. The first step in accomplishing this is by ensuring students are confident in their major and career path.
FOCUS2 Assessment
- Measures interests, values, personality, and skills
- Provides data-driven career suggestions
- Helps students understand their work preferences
- Creates objective foundation for career decisions
Steppingblocks Digital Career Counselor
- Shows real employment data and career progressions
- Provides salary information by location and experience
- Identifies skill gaps and development opportunities
- Demonstrates how different majors lead to various careers
Note: These aren’t just “career quizzes” – they’re research-based tools that help students make informed decisions. When your student shares results, they’re sharing scientifically-backed insights about their preferences and potential.
Productive Conversation Starters
Instead of Asking This…
❌ “What are you going to do with that major?”
❌ “Will you be able to get a job?”
❌ “Don’t you think [other major] would be more practical?”
❌ “How much money will you make”
❌ “What if you can’t find work?”
Ask This…
✅ “What did you learn about yourself from your career assessments?”
✅ “What aspects of your potential career paths excite you most?”
✅ “How are you planning to build the skills needed in your field?”
✅ “What experiences are you seeking to test your career interests?”
✅ “How can I support your career exploration process?”
Questions That Deepen Understanding
- “Tell me about the careers that matched with your assessment results.”
- “What values are most important to you in your future work?”
- “How does this major align with your strengths and interests?”
- “What’s your plan for gaining experience in this field during college?”
- “Who are you talking to about careers in this area?”
Supporting Different Types of Major Decisions
Your Role:
- Help them research specializations within the field
- Support networking with professionals
- Discuss geographic considerations for job markets
- Encourage internships and hands-on experience
Conversation Focus:
- “What area of [field] interests you most?”
- “How are you preparing for the competitive aspects?”
- “What experiences will help you stand out?”
Your Role:
- Help them identify transferable skills being developed
- Support additional experiences that build their resume
- Encourage strategic course selection
- Discuss the importance of internships and networking
Conversation Focus:
- “What skills are you developing that employers value?”
- “How are you planning to specialize or focus your interests?”
- “What experiences will help you explore career options?”
Your Role:
- Learn about modern creative economy opportunities
- Support business skill development alongside creative skills
- Help them build professional networks
- Encourage diverse experience portfolio
Conversation Focus:
- “How are you developing both creative and business skills?”
- “What’s your understanding of the industry landscape?”
- “How are you building a professional network?”
Your Role:
- Understand the breadth of career opportunities
- Support skill development that increases marketability
- Help them research organizations and career paths
- Discuss financial planning for potentially lower-earning careers
Conversation Focus:
- “How can you make the biggest impact in this field?”
- “What organizations or leaders inspire you?”
- “How are you preparing for the business side of this work?”
Financial Conversations That Build Partnership
Research Together:
- Look up actual salary data for their career interests
- Explore different career levels and progression paths
- Understand geographic variations in opportunities
- Identify highest-earning specializations within their field
Discuss Financial Realities:
- Student loan implications and repayment strategies
- Cost of living in cities where they might work
- Timeline for financial independence
- Backup plans and skill diversification
Create Shared Financial Goals:
- Define what “financial success” means to your family
- Discuss lifestyle expectations and priorities
- Plan for potential graduate school investments
- Consider creative paths to financial security
Sample Financial Planning Conversation
“Let’s look at the data together. I see that entry-level positions in your field start around $X, and with experience can reach $Y. Help me understand your career progression plan and how we can support you in reaching your financial goals while doing work you love.”
Programs and Resources for Your Student
