Family Resources

Advising and Academic Support

Submit a Student Support Referral Form

Campus Resources

Career Development

We advise parents to take an active role in supporting their student in the career development process. Parents have a unique opportunity to encourage open communication with their student about career decisions, deciding on a major and exploring career options. It is vital for parents to be patient and supportive through this process, along with raising questions and issues regarding career interests. Be sure to encourage your student to gain career related experience through internships and cooperative education opportunities prior to graduation.

Encouraging Students’ Career Interests and Exploration

Asking the right questions can help your student think through issues and provide the support and encouragement they need. Some questions to ask include:

• What do you consider your biggest accomplishments? Which of your activities do you enjoy the most? What achievement or activity has made you feel most proud of your efforts?
• Which college classes have you enjoyed the most? Why? Are they the courses where you’ve earned the best grades?
• How would you describe the ideal job for you?
• When do you have to declare a major?
• Have you talked with your academic adviser and a career counselor about choosing a career? What was their advice?
• What majors are you considering? Why these?
• What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of career choices/majors that you are considering?
• Do you think you are likely to do well academically in this particular major?
• Which major or majors do you think would best prepare you for your career goals?
• Have you taken classes to develop your computer, writing and presentation skills?
• Which electives do you think would best compliment your major?
• Have you considered using Co-op or Internships electives to gain experience and test your major?
• How would some of your career options affect other aspects of your life, such as family, hobbies, and volunteer work?

For More Information…

The information listed above can be found in The Parent’s Crash Course in Career Planning by Marcia B. Harris & Sharon L. Jones, 2007. (ISBN #: 978-0-6151-6337-6)

Alumni Resources

As an alumnus of Eastern Kentucky University, you have access to a variety of resources from the Office of Advising and Career Services to assist you in your job search.

• Handshake gives you access to all the jobs and employer contacts we have through the Center for Career & Co-op, as well as some national job search resources.
• Information on Career Exploration including What Can I Do with This Major/Degree, Workforce Kentucky and CareerOneStop are accessible from this site. These can be great tools in exploring your career options and in identifying and targeting specific skills needed in positions for which you are applying – a very important concept in today’s job search.
• Guidelines and samples for writing resumes and cover letters can be found on this website. Information on effective interview techniques, typical questions, questions you should ask along with details on behavioral based interviewing – a process used by many employers today for candidate selection.
• For networking, employer research and job sourcing, we strongly recommend registering with LinkedIn.com and joining the various EKU Alumni Groups.