Parents Guide to Career Services

Career Service’s objective is to provide you with the best information for you to become partners in your son’s or daughter’s career development. While we firmly believe that students are ultimately responsible for their own career development, we acknowledge that they utilize many resources as they make and test out career decisions. Studies show that students highly value their parents’ opinions of their choices and respect the insight and information you can provide.

Many parents ask, "When is a good time for my son/daughter to start thinking about careers?" Students are encouraged to begin the career exploration process early in their college career. We also recommend learning about writing résumés, exploring internships, attending employer presentations, and meeting Purdue University Calumet alumni from day one.

Download the A Parent's Guide to Career Development

When would my son or daughter go to Career Services?

• For help in choosing a major: Counselors have a broad view of academic programs and the applications of these programs to careers. Interest tests are available free of charge through our counseling center.
• To begin writing a resume: For summer jobs or internships, and scholarship applications, sample resumes are available, and counselors review drafts.
• All students are encouraged to put their resumes into the on-line database.
• When it’s time to sharpen interview skills: Videotaped interviews help a student prepare for jobs, internships, and campus leadership positions.
• To choose and gain pre-professional experiences: Organizations visit the campus each year for sophomores and juniors. Online Job Listings include internships, summer jobs, part – time jobs, and unpaid positions. Career Services professionals can help students determine the best choices and strategies.
• At the beginning of senior year: The transition is overwhelming for some students. With so much to do this last year, counselors can help students make the best use of their time the job search or grad school application process

When should my son or daughter go to Career Services?

• Minimally, at the beginning of senior year: Some one time opportunities present themselves through the campus interview program and career programs during the fall.
• Whenever they have a question about academic or career choices, need assistance in finding pre-professional experiences, or are making the transition from college to career, come see us.

Everyone moves at a different pace in their career development. We see some students throughout the college years, others more sporadically!