How to help your student navigate the stress and anxiety of their career search

Most Boston College students have an innate drive toward achievement and experience a fair amount of self-imposed pressure when it comes to securing an internship or first job. This pressure can manifest in various ways, and may appear as increased productivity, procrastination, withdrawal, or some combination of expressions. We at the Career Center see this every day when we meet with students, and rather than sidestep the issue of stress when it comes to the career search, we address it directly. By acknowledging and validating students’ feelings, we can approach the challenge alongside one another. 

You may be wondering how best to support your student. We know that parents want to help, but aren’t always sure how to do so. Striking a balance between being overly involved in your student’s career search and completely hands-off can be a source of stress for you. Regardless of how you’re feeling, your expressed interest and encouragement is crucial. You know your student better than anyone, and your support will go a long way in empowering them as they navigate this process. Here are some ways parents can assist their students through this emotional journey. 

Let curiosity lead you. You may have a lot of questions surrounding your student’s interests and career exploration; they probably do too. Asking questions is okay—it’s important that your student has thought critically about their choices and can respond thoughtfully. However, it is ultimately their career. They need to move through the process of understanding what motivates them and where they feel they can contribute to the world. Most students’ interests will evolve throughout college and the best thing you can do is show them you are curious and listen to them with an open mind as they learn, experience, and reflect on their areas of interest. 

Learn alongside your student. Regardless of whether your student is interested in pursuing a field you have experience in or if they are entering unfamiliar territory, getting up to date on current practices can be beneficial. Express interest in understanding industry trends and recruiting, and if your student is open to support, dive into the resources together (but let your student take the lead!). One key factor to be researched is hiring timelines for their industry of interest. While some industries recruit for summer internships and post-graduate jobs early in the fall semester (e.g., consulting, accounting, finance), others post positions in the spring. Understanding when recruiting occurs will likely reduce stress.

Foster self-sufficiency. When your child faces a challenge, it can be tempting to step in and take control. As a mother who experiences this multiple times daily, I understand the impulse. While intervention can sometimes yield positive results, it can also hinder skill development. Nothing can mimic real experience and the acceptance of consequences (positive or negative) that come about after making a personal choice. Being there for the good and bad—simply as a supportive listening ear—will also help to ease stress. Encourage your student to take initiative and seek out experiences. Even the practice of scheduling a video call with someone in a field of interest or volunteering at a related organization will contribute to their exploration and skill development. Parents can help facilitate reflective thinking on these experiences and can actively listen as students consider different paths and process outcomes. Fostering self-sufficiency will ultimately strengthen students’ critical thinking and decision-making skills, setting them up for success in the future. 

Encourage utilization of resources. Your student has access to a multitude of resources through Boston College. However, sometimes students need a reminder to actually use them. Online tools like Handshake, the portal that houses internship and job listings, employer information, and career events, and Eagle Exchange, the social networking platform just for BC alumni and students, can be game changers in connecting students with opportunities and mentors. If your student is a sophomore or junior and is exploring several different paths, encourage them to participate in the Endeavor program. Additionally, students can meet with career coaches in their cluster of interest to discuss their individual concerns and questions. Our career coaches work with students regardless of where they are in defining their goals. In fact, we have several exploration coaches who work specifically with students who are unsure of how to move forward. 

If your student is in the midst of an active job or internship search, check in with them and encourage them to be taking care of themselves. In addition to receiving support at the Career Center, there are multiple wellness resources at Boston College, including the Center for Student Wellness and University Counseling Services. Together, we can ensure that students have the tools and support they need to navigate their career paths and build fulfilling, purposeful lives.