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ÌýThe fall semester is a great time for students to explore career options, connect with employers and start looking for jobs or internships. Some employers recruit months in advance, while other opportunities open throughout the year.Ìý

As a family member, you can support your student by asking about their goals, sharing connections and encouraging them to take small steps. Career Services can help along the way with free resources for exploring career options, finding opportunities and preparing for the job or internship search.Ìý

Encourage your student to explore HandshakeÌý

Handshake is CU °Ç¸ç³Ô¹Ï’s main platform for finding jobs and internships. Students can search for opportunities, connect with employers, find career events and set up saved searches based on their interests.Ìý

Encourage your student to complete their Handshake profile and explore what’s available, even if they aren’t ready to apply yet. A complete profile can help them get more relevant job recommendations and be discovered by employers.Ìý

How you can help: Ask your student if they’ve explored Handshake or set up a saved search. Encourage them to spend some time browsing opportunities and noticing what interests them.Ìý

Suggest career fairs and eventsÌý

Career fairs give students a chance to explore industries, learn about employers, make connections and practice talking with recruiters. Students can attend whether they’re actively applying for positions or beginning to explore their options.Ìý

Encourage your student to check the schedule of upcoming career fairs and events. They can use Handshake to find participating employers and prepare for events that interest them.Ìý

How you can help: If your student feels nervous about attending a career fair, encourage them to start small. They might choose a few employers to talk with, prepare a couple of questions ahead of time or attend with a friend.Ìý

Help them prepare application materialsÌý

Having a resume and basic cover letter ready can make it easier for students to apply when they find an opportunity that interests them. Students should tailor their application materials to each position, highlighting relevant skills, experiences and accomplishments.Ìý

Career Services offers guidance to help students build a strong resume and write a cover letter.Ìý

How you can help: Offer to proofread a resume or cover letter if your student wants feedback or help them practice answering interview questions. Encourage them to visit Career Services for additional feedback and guidance.Ìý

Share your networkÌý

Your student may have more professional connections than they realize. Their network can include professors, advisors, supervisors, previous employers, classmates, family members and family friends.Ìý

You are part of that network, too. If you know someone who works in an industry or role your student is interested in, consider offering an introduction. A conversation can help your student learn about a career, get advice and start building professional relationships.Ìý

Students can also connect with CU °Ç¸ç³Ô¹Ï alumni through the Forever Buffs Network and learn how to set up informational interviews.Ìý

How you can help: Think about people in your network who may be willing to talk with your student about their work or career path. Ask before making an introduction so your student can decide which connections would be most helpful.Ìý

Encourage small, consistent stepsÌý

Searching for a job or internship can feel overwhelming, especially when students are balancing classes, activities, work and other responsibilities. Breaking the process into smaller steps can make it feel more manageable. A student might update their resume one day, save a few job searches another day or set a goal to submit an application that week.Ìý

Students may hesitate to apply when they don’t meet every qualification in a job description. Encourage your student to consider how their skills and experiences relate to the position and apply for opportunities that interest them.Ìý

How you can help: Check in occasionally about how the search is going and recognize the work your student is putting into it. Finding the right opportunity can take time, so encouragement can help them stay motivated through the process.Ìý

Connect them with Career ServicesÌý

Career Services can support students as they explore career options, search for jobs and internships, prepare application materials and get ready for interviews.Ìý

Students can also check out upcoming programs, workshops and events for additional opportunities to build skills and connect with employers.Ìý

How you can help: Remind your student that Career Services is available throughout their career journey. Sharing a relevant resource, event or Career Services webpage can help them find support when they need it.Ìý