Hello, from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institutes Center for Career and Professional Development (CCPD) team!
We’re so happy to have the opportunity to work with you and your student to build the foundation for a successful career upon their graduation. Please review the following first steps to start a career-focused conversation with your student. This will cover everything from what should be completed in the first few weeks of their college career, to how they can engage with us every semester until graduation!
Your student’s successful transition into a career and ultimate independence can be greatly enhanced with your support of their career exploration and decision-making process.
There is a wide array of resources available to students. Skill-building workshops focus on topics like resume building, job search strategies, networking, and applying to graduate schools. Career counselors work with students to identify and explore career interests. Self-assessment is the first step in major and career decision-making.
Parent Checklist: The First Year
Log into their HANDSHAKE account and complete their profile. Handshake is our career management system where students can schedule an appointment, search for
opportunities, view scheduled workshops, & employer events, and so much more!
Attend activities, workshops and programs through the CCPD. Students can meet with our career counselors by visiting the CCPD (DCC 209) during Mon-Fri Drop-In hours 1-3PM or schedule an appointment.
Draft a resume and have it critiqued by one of our career counselors in the beginning of their Fall Semester.
Meet frequently with professors, academic advisors, and career counselors to build connections and to create/meet goals. This will be helpful when planning for their designated Arch Semester Away.
Most employers expect students to have career-related experience by the time they graduate.
The Arch program at Rensselaer is a great opportunity to gain hands-on experience during the Away Semester.
It is recommended to start planning early and begin conversations with employers.
Encourage your student to come into the CCPD to explore resources available that can help with their search including the opportunity to engage with various employers coming to campus each semester
Students will find that some employers use GPA cutoffs when considering applicants for summer internships, co- ops, and full-time jobs after graduation.
Encourage your student to make academics a priority, beginning with their first semester and continuing those good habits through commencement.
Your student will find that there is a need for balance between their career-related experiences, leadership involvement, and a strong GPA in order to have a successful employment search.
If your student is unsure about their career goals, Rensselaer’s CCPD can offer support by helping them choose a major and plan for their career.
Things may change throughout their education, however, when your student chooses a major that excites them and engages them in their learning, they will then easily explore careers that relate to their strengths and interests.
This will increase their chances for a successful job search upon graduation
Many employers rate leadership activities as an important aspect of a well-rounded candidate.
It is important for students to seek out leadership roles in their classes, projects, professional associations, athletics, and the many clubs and groups available to them on and off campus.
The CCPD can help students translate these activities on their resume and LinkedIn profile.
