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For Parents

You play an important role in career development by encouraging your student through the various stages: assessment, exploration, experimentation and, finally, achievement.

Our services are designed to assist students through this process. Encourage your son or daughter to visit us. We also invite you to partner with us in helping other students through our new CAFNR Connections program and by hiring Mizzou Tigers!

Parents' Role in Career Development

Career Services partners with numerous other offices on campus to help students recognize and then realize career goals. We provide a number of resources and services to assist students:

Self-assessment tools and individualized decision-making assistance.
Career exploration, including shadowing and employer visits.
Resume and cover letter development assistance and critiques available by appointment through us and on a walk-in basis through the MU Career Center.
Effective interview and personal presentation strategies, including videotaped mock interviews and "Dress for Success" programming.
Networking and professional mentoring opportunities through CAFNR Connections.
Database of positions that includes part-time, campus, internship and professional opportunities.
Employer contacts database online.
On-campus interviews.
Career fairs and other programming to prepare students for life beyond Mizzou.

Questions and Answers

When should my student begin to think about career development?
Career Services views career development as a continuous process and encourages every student to start thinking today about his or her goals and how those goals will be reached. We work with first-year students to encourage self-assessment and participation in campus activities that will make the first professional job much easier to land.

How does Career Services help undecided students?
We offer the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator to help students realize their preferences as related to careers. Individualized follow-up and exercises help students to tie values and interests to majors and career options. Shadowing, part-time jobs and internships and informational interviews with mentors often help students to confirm plans. Additionally, students may participate in career counseling through the MU Career Center.

How can I help my son or daughter with career plans?
You are an important part of your child’s life and continue to influence his or her future plans. Assist your son or daughter with career development by:

Listening and encouraging. Often, simply providing a nonjudgmental environment where your son or daughter can talk openly about the future will move him or her toward a decision. We ask students the question: What would be a perfect job for you?
Exercising patience. It may take a few trials before your son or daughter is ready to commit to a major or career path. Fortunately, most students can take required classes while they work to make important future decisions.
Offering help through your network. If your child expresses an interest in agricultural journalism and your friend's spouse works in the field, offer to set up a meeting for an informational interview. Many students overlook the power of networking within their own circle of family, friends and associates.
Supporting Career Services. Encourage your student to use our services. Post internship and professional positions from your employer with us. Volunteer to become a mentor through the CAFNR Connections program. Review the full range of services we provide to students!