You have worked hard to nurture and encourage your child to get to this point. You have hopes and dreams of your child having a successful life. We do too! Remembering that your child is in control of deciding his/her career while the employers are in control of the jobs puts things in perspective. Visiting  The Center for Career Development is an opportunity for your child to think about the future – their career, what he/she wants to be, and how he/she wants to get there. 

At Manhattan College we take a developmental approach to the career planning process where we assist students in becoming more self-aware, we educate students about the job search process, and we empower students to help themselves both now and in the future. This developmental approach results in a natural growth process for students during the four years they are in college. It ideally begins with participation in the cooperative/internship program and/or the mentor program and may be enhanced by taking part in a career symposium or participating in one of our many career workshops. This cycle, if started early enough, produces students who by senior year are truly prepared for the world of work – students who have a good idea of what they would like to do as well as what they do not want to pursue.

What you can do to help with the process... ... ...

Explore the following questions with your child: What types of careers are there in the major? What would be needed to be successful in the career (skills, abilities and experience)? What salary and benefits would they get in the chosen field? And would the salary and benefits enable them to support themselves and possibly a family? 

Encourage your son or daughter to explore their career interest by doing an internship or working with a Mentor in their field.

Advocate the importance of life-long learning. They will develop new skills and enhance their marketability over time.

Reassure them that a job search takes time and work with them to plan a strategy for searching

Help them network with professionals by introducing them to people in their field of interest

Support their search by providing basic needs such as: a suit, shoes, etc.

Remind them that help is close at hand in The Center for Career Development.

Remain Positive - Support Learning - Encourage Hard Work - Be a Role Model