Page 24 - University of Oregon Parent and Family Guide

THE PATH FROM COLLEGE TO CAREER
By Lauren Herskovic
A college degree is not an automatic ticket to a career. This fact has a lot of people (including concerned parents) talking, mostly about jobless college grads living on their family’s couch. Some people are questioning the value of a college education.
The truth is, a college education is 100% worth it. Students just need to understand how to leverage these four magical years into a promising career or admission to graduate school.
Here are five things your student should do during college to prepare for what comes next.
1
Explore.
Some students arrive on campus knowing what they want to do and some don’t. Others think they know but change direction when they get there.
College is an opportunity for students to figure out who they are and what they love. They need to find those intriguing classes (even if they don’t seem “practical” or relate to an intended major) and take them. Exploration exposes students to new subjects and ways of thinking. Best case: they discover a passion that leads to a potential career. Worst case: they’ve broadened their minds a bit.
2
Get involved.
College campuses teem with student groups and activities. There’s something for everyone and your student should jump right in. Just like high school, it’s not the number of activities but the level of involvement that matters. Whether student government, fraternity and sorority life, a cultural or service organization, campus politics or sports, they can get involved, have an impact and, when they’re ready, take on a leadership role.
Campus involvement leads to a happier overall college experience,
boosts academic success and contributes to a stronger resumé. When your student applies to graduate school or for a job, being able to show leadership or relevant experience will set them apart from other applicants. BONUS! Activities also give them more awesome people with whom to...
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