Parents FAQ: Career Development
What role can parents play in career development?
Parents have the opportunity to play a key role in helping their student be successful in his/her career choices and opportunities. It is important for you to reaffirm your student’s capabilities and remind him/her of the academic support options that are available. Randolph-Macon College has many resources that can assist you in helping your student through the career process.
Career Services educates students about the career planning process, job searches, constructing resumes and cover letters, interviewing and about strategies for gaining admission to graduate and professional schools. The center serves as a comprehensive information resource for all career and employment opportunities.
It is important for parents to encourage their student to consult with Career Services early in their R-MC careers, such that their student can take full advantage of all available resources. Early and frequent use of Career Services will help them to profile in a competitive manner for employment and/or graduate school at the end of their four years at R-MC.
What kind of career services does R-MC offer?
Career Services offers a wide variety of resources, tools and services along with graduate and professional school programs, workshops, career fairs, employer relations and recruitment, job searches, and alumni/networking programs.
My student is lacking in direction; how can Career Services help?
Career Services offers two career assessments, the Strong Interest Inventory and the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) that can be helpful tools in clarifying both academic and career interests; these are free and available to all students. Parents should also encourage their students to consult with their faculty about their academic interests and future aspirations, to engage in undergraduate research opportunities on campus, to pursue multiple internship opportunities, to network with R-MC alumni, as well as to make intentional use of summer and part-time employment to explore their interests.
What kinds of internships are available through Career Services?
Career Services staff work closely with the Bassett Internship Program, offering both academic and non-academic internships. Four types of internships are available through the Bassett Internship Program, which is dedicated to providing a real-world backdrop for future academic learning, as well as preparation for life after graduation. With a history in over 1,100 sites in more than 20 states, Washington, DC, and 11 foreign countries, students get an opportunity to explore the world of work. Finally, R-MC is an educational partner with the Disney College Program.
Call 804-752-3103 for more information or email careercenter@rmc.edu.
Updated 12/5/11