Guide for Parents

As a parent we welcome you to submit inquiries or questions to our Virtual Advising Board.

A very special welcome to you and your student. The Career Center offers services throughout your student's academic career.

We realize that you have been planning for your student's college education for many years and now the time has arrived and expectations are high- both for you and your student.

This is a time when support from you, and our Center staff, can help your student maneuver through these issues and direct them to the many resources on campus. We encourage you and your student to sign-up for our newsletter, The Freshman Press, to stay informed and abreast of all the new services and events we offer students. You have many questions (as they do):

What does your child want to major in?

Choosing a major can be both an exciting and overwhelming decision. It is very common to choose a major, change, and even change again. It is important for your student to realize that change is OK, you will support them, but also challenge them by asking "What do You want to do?" Help your student realize that they can link many majors to a variety of careers with added coursework, experience and determination.

Too many times students change majors because of the difficulty with one course they are encountering, following their friends, ease of coursework, or taking courses to please others. Be sure that they talk to you, a career counselor, their academic advisor, through their decisions and where these decisions will take them.

We have several workshops students can attend to explore their options, inform them of career paths and careers, and identify their interests and skills in order to make better and informed decisions. We encourage them to check our TCC Event Calendar.

Has your child looked for an internship?

Internships are a great opportunity for students to get real-world experience, lay the groundwork for great professional references and to find out if what you think you want to do is REALLY what you want to do.

How will your child keep on track?

Each semester your son or daughter will meet their academic advisor in their department to plan their courses for the upcoming semester. Each major has a prescribed set of courses so that the student and the advisor can schedule courses and make a plan leading to graduation. This plan also provides the student an opportunity to plan for additional courses as in depended study, research or study abroad options.

Unfortunately, there is not a prerequisite list for preparing your student for their future career. We have created a Are you still on Target: Things To Do List that will help you and your student, from freshman to senior, take the necessary steps in making wise and informed decisions beyond coursework. In addition, Career Skills for Success is a great resource connecting coursework with co-curricular activities.

There are many ways a student can gain insight into careers, but one method we encourage is to speak to a professional within the field they are interested. These informational interviews provide a real picture of what their prospective career/occupation entails. This opportunity can help identify likes and dislikes, necessary training, and the day-to-day issues on the job.

What is your child's career goal?

In making decisions about everything in your lives, you use several main factors to guide you.

Does your child want to go to medical school?

Discuss the realities and strategies for pursuing careers in health related areas.

Where can your child go for help?

The Career Center provides services for students at every stage in their academic careers, from freshman to super seniors.