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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

*The Role of Family Influence and Academic Satisfaction on Career Decision-Making Self-Efficacy and Happiness. and ASU Program Engages Families in Career Support

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 and Discover

  • Fall: Encourage your student to try new student organizations and attend campus and career events to explore interests.
  • Spring: Suggest meeting with a career coach to talk through majors, strengths, and areas of curiosity.
  • Conversation Starter:
    “What classes or activities have sparked your interest so far?”

Second Year: Build Skills and Connections

  • Fall: Help your student reflect on past experiences like class projects, volunteering, part time jobs, or involvement in student organizations. These can highlight strengths and core career competencies. This is also a great time to start drafting a résumé and updating LinkedIn and Handshake.
  • Spring: Support your student as they explore internships, volunteering, research, part time jobs, or other career building opportunities connected to possible career paths.
  • Conversation Starter:
    “Have you thought about summer experiences that could help you explore different career paths?”

Third Year: Gain Experience and Prepare

  • Fall: Encourage hands on experiences such as internships, leadership roles in student organizations, part time jobs, or other extracurricular roles that help build skills and confidence.
  • Spring: Ask how they are progressing as they update their résumé, LinkedIn, and Handshake. If they need support, remind them that Drop In appointments are available at the Career Studio.
  • Conversation Starter:
    “What skills do you want to develop before graduation?”

Fourth Year: Launch Your Career

  • Fall: Talk with your student about their plans for jobs or graduate school and help them stay organized as they begin applications. Career coaches and Career Studio Drop In services can offer helpful guidance.
  • Spring: Support your student as they interview, compare options, and make final decisions about life after graduation.
  • Conversation Starter:
    “What is your plan for after graduation, and how can I support you?”

Common Family Concerns

  • Concern: What if my student changes their major?
    • Many students do. We help them connect their skills to a wide range of careers, no matter what major they choose.
  • Helpful Resource:
    The National Association of Colleges and Employers highlights core career competencies that are valued across all industries.
  • Concern: My student is unsure about what they want to do.
    • Career exploration is completely normal. We provide assessments, coaching, and events that help students learn about options and gain clarity.
  • Helpful Resource:
    Focus2 is an online self assessment that helps students explore possible majors and careers based on their interests, values, personality, and skills.
  • Concern: How can my student gain experience without a job?
    • Internships, research, volunteering, leadership roles, class projects, and Career Success Courses are all valuable experiences that help students build skills for future careers.
  • Helpful Resource:
    Career Success Courses let students earn credit while exploring careers and gaining real world experience.

Conversation Starters for Families

Keep career conversations positive and student driven with these open ended questions:

  • “What is something new you learned this semester that excites you?”
  • “What campus resources have you found helpful?”
  • “What is one step you can take this month toward your career goals?”

Resources for Families

Stay Connected