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Help Your Buckeye Succeed

Help Your Buckeye Succeed

Help Your Buckeye Succeed

Families as Partners in Career Success at Ohio State

Help Your Student Thrive — From Campus to Career

 
Welcome to the College of Arts and Sciences Center for Career and Professional Success at The Ohio State University. 
Families play a vital role in helping students navigate college and prepare for life after graduation. This page provides career resources for parents and families, timelines, and conversation starters so you can confidently support your student’s career journey.
 
Students walking across campus

Why Families Matter in Career Success

Your encouragement and guidance can make a big difference. Students who feel supported are more likely to:
  • Explore career options early
  • Use Ohio State career resources
  • Build professional networks
  • Graduate ready for what’s next

Arts and Sciences Career Journey: Year-by-Year Guide for Families

Every student’s path is unique, but here’s a typical timeline to help you understand what’s happening — and when you can help most:

First Year: Explore & Discover

  • Fall: Encourage involvement in student organizations and campus events.
  • Spring: Suggest meeting with a career coach and exploring majors.
    Family Tip: Ask, “What classes or activities have sparked your interest so far?”

Second Year: Build Skills & Connections

  • Fall: Begin looking for internships or research opportunities.
  • Spring: Attend career fairs and networking events.
    Family Tip: Ask, “Have you thought about summer experiences that could help you learn more about your field?”

Third Year: Gain Experience & Prepare

  • Fall: Apply for internships, consider leadership roles.
  • Spring: Start drafting a resume and LinkedIn profile.
    Family Tip: Ask, “What skills do you want to develop before graduation?”

Fourth Year: Launch Your Career

  • Fall: Begin job or graduate school applications.
  • Spring: Interview and finalize plans for after graduation.
    Family Tip: Ask, “What’s your plan for after graduation, and how can I support you?”

Conversation Starters for Families

Keep career conversations positive and student-driven with these open-ended questions:
  • “What’s something new you learned this semester that excites you?”
  • “What campus resources have you found helpful?”
  • “What’s one step you can take this month toward your career goals?”

Common Family Concerns — And Our Approach

  • Concern: “What if they change their major?”
     
    • Solution: Many students do! We help them connect skills to careers regardless of major.  
       
      • Helpful Resource: According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, these career competencies are among the most valued by employers across all industries.
         
  • Concern: “My student doesn’t know what they want to do yet.”
     
    • Solution: Career exploration is normal! We offer assessments, coaching, and events to help students discover options. 
       
      •  Helpful Resource: Focus2 is an online self-assessment for students to explore potential majors and careers based on their work interests, values, personality, and skills.
         
  • Concern: “How can they get experience without a job?”
     
    • Solution: Internships, research, volunteering, and leadership roles all count as experience. 
       
      • Helpful Resource: Our Career Success Courses allow students to earn credit while exploring career paths, identifying opportunities, and gaining real-world experiences.

Resources for Families

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