Ways Parents Can Assist

Parents are encouraged to be supportive of career exploration. Knowing that a liberal arts education provides preparation for a lifetime rather than just one vocation, liberal arts graduates are better prepared to adapt to shifts in their own interests and altering needs in the workforce.

You've probably heard that many college graduates will change careers -- not just jobs -- several times of the course of their working lives. The process of assessing one's interests, skills, and values may thus be repeated, and students are invited to start learning this introspective process right from their first year on campus. Here are some ways you might assist, as a parent:

Support

• Encourage exploration and new experiences
• Be open to interests, ideas, and values that are different than yours
• Really listen to what your son or daughter has to say
• Allow room for mistakes and redirection

Reflections

• Talk about things your son/daughter loves to do or study
• Suggest visits to our office, early and regularly
• Help objectively evaluate strengths and weaknesses
• Share your professional network for career research
• Be alert to possible internships, without restricting choices

Motivation

• Discuss the process of setting realistic goals and objectives
• Encourage putting goals in writing, though they'll evolve
• Speak positively of what steps have been accomplished
• Follow up periodically, and gently hold him/her accountable

Some students may benefit from a parental nudge to start this process, and our Four Year Plan provides a sample guide of some things students could do to facilitate this process. Certainly, students should not be obligated to do every single activity listed or do them in the exact order presented. This is simply a tool that provides an outline of possibilities that could help many students make better-informed decisions and feel more prepared for life after Kenyon.

We find that many parents have occupational experiences that could be shared with current students (or even alumni), providing insights about possible career paths and different working environments. With this in mind, all parents are invited to participate in our Kenyon Career Network. If you'd like to join, please e-mail your name and e-mail address with the subject line "Kenyon Career Network Access for Parent" to Sherrie Moore .

Naturally, many students seek summer jobs or internships while in college, and the majority of graduating seniors are seeking employment. If you or your employer have any such opportunities available, please share them with our office at any time. You may send an internship or job posting in the body of an e-mail or as an attachment to cdojobs@kenyon.edu. These opportunities will be posted in an online system available to all Kenyon students. You may also use that same e-mail address if you'd like to make a recruiting visit to campus, or feel free to call us at (740) 427-5165.

Kenyon actively participates in the Selective Liberal Arts Consortium, which provides several paths for employment of students. We are always looking for additional employers, and we invite your participation. Thank you!