Page 25 - University of Oregon Parent and Family Guide

ACADEMIC SUCCESS AND CAREER PREP Network.
While students are making friends and having fun, it’s important they keep networking in mind. They should connect with peers, TAs, professors, everyone. They should get to know people and make sure people know them. It will come in handy in ways they can’t even imagine now, which is why most students don’t think to do this on their own and may need a push from you. The college network may be the most valuable thing they leave with at graduation.
Get to know — and stay in touch with — professors.
Encourage your student to talk to professors after class and go to office hours. Does a professor have research your student can assist with? This is terrific experience, especially if the subject relates to their career goals. Through their own networks, professors may be able to help with job placement. They will also be able to write stronger graduate school letters of recommendation if they have developed a mentoring relationship with your student.
5 Do an internship.
Whether during the term or over the summer, internships are important for
many reasons — here are the three biggies.
1. Students get real-life experience in a field.
2. Internships look great on their resumé because they illustrate your student’s initiative and desire to challenge themselves and gain new skills.
3. Internships give students a chance to see if they like a field. Speaking as someone who tried three careers before finding the one that truly fit, I wish I had dabbled when the stakes were lower.
The University Career Center
is here to help your student gain professional experience through internships, part-time jobs,
and student organizations on campus. They can teach your student how to share their experiences through their resume and cover letter, LinkedIn, interviewing,
and networking. Encourage your student to visit Tykeson Hall.
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