Graduation Basics

The countless hours logged at the library and sleepless nights buried in textbooks have become a way of life for your college-student child. But this is only the catalyst for future and the professional successes. College is not just about hitting the books. It's about taking those first steps toward a thriving and rewarding career. During those years your child may be the one doing the studying, but there are ways you can play a key role in helping him succeed once that diploma is in his hand.
Choosing a Major

Allowing your teen to follow her passion into college is a good start in helping her pursue an enjoyable and fulfilling career, says Will Roberts, director of academic services at Barrett, the Honors College at Arizona State University. "Don't pressure your son or daughter to pick a particular major. Choosing a major based purely on the job market often leads to an unhappy college experience and poor career satisfaction."
Increasing Options

Earning a degree takes a lot of work and dedication, so additional studying may not appeal to some college students. Nevertheless encouraging your child to obtain a minor or certificate program in a secondary area of interest could have long-term perks. "This may lead to new career possibilities," Roberts says.
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Career Considerations

He may think he has four years to decide on a career path, but encourage your child to ponder his choices early. Hitting career fairs and career development offices on campus during freshman year is not too soon. "Students often ignore them until senior year, but they can help all four years," Roberts says.
Establishing Relationships

Using summer breaks to take advantage of internships brings experience and helps establish connections in the field that interests your child. Also encourage your child to get to know at least two professors each year who can provide mentoring and other guidance, Roberts advises. "These relationships make a difference."
No Rest For the Working

After slaving away for four or five years, it's very easy for your soon-to-be grad to put off serious job hunting until the last minute, and it's even more tempting for you to allow them a little relaxation. But avoid giving in. "Encourage your son or daughter to start the job search early. The last semester of college is too late," Roberts says.
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Develop a Work History

While college students typically work only during the summer, seeing that a job candidate was rehired by the same company says a great deal about her work ethic, says Ann E. Zaslow-Rethabar, president of the Phoenix area-based recruiting firm International Search Consultants. "It's [also] extremely attractive to employers when they see that someone has worked at the same time as obtaining their education. The same goes for someone that has been active in sports. It speaks volumes about time management."
Perfect the Resume

Help your college grad develop a resume that uses key points to grab the attention of hiring managers. "The focus should be on attributes and accomplishments — perfect attendance, strong GPAs, volunteering and hobbies that may be applicable to the desired job," Zaslow-Rethabar says.
Internet Restraint

Even the strictest privacy settings don't guarantee anonymity, and constantly changing website policies mean comments and photos aren't always hidden from a potential employer doing a Google search of a candidate's name. Remind your job-searching child to give every Internet post or tweet a second thought before sending. "Instill in your child the importance of not putting anything on a social media site that they do not want to be questioned about during the interview process," Zaslow-Rethabar says.
When One Drink is Much More

Many of us have at least one crazy college-days story that straddles outrageous and illegal. But all it takes is one frat house prank or an extra round of shots to hinder a young graduate's chances at a top-notch job for years. Encourage your child to keep his record clean. "[Driving-under-the-influence violations] are not just a black mark. Many companies that are self-insured are simply not able to hire someone that they cannot insure, so a youthful indiscretion can literally hamper someone's ability to get a job for up to seven years," Zaslow-Rethabar.
Higher Education Redux

Recruiters get flooded with countless applications and resumes and, especially as the economy and job market struggle to rebound, competition is fierce. Getting your child to consider education beyond a bachelor's degree could make all the difference. "Hiring managers are in the position to truly pick the best of the best," Zaslow-Rethabar says. "When we have 1,000 applicants for a single position, we will start off by getting rid of everyone that does not have a graduate degree."