One of the ways that the UP Career Education Center helps connect students with internships and jobs is through the online Handshake platform. Recently the staff in the Career Education Center read the article Handshake Helps College Students and New Grads Find Internships, Jobs, written by Christine Cruzvergara, the Vice President of Higher Education and Student Success at Handshake. Christine previously worked in higher education and has some excellent advice for parents boiled down to four tips.

We suggest that parents read the article, and then review our responses below to see how this general advice can be utilized more specifically at the University of Portland.

Tip # 1: What you say matters.

• We encourage parents to ask open-ended questions and lead with empathy when talking with your student. In addition to your guidance and support, the Career Education Center has a Career Counselor who meets with students to guide them in identifying interests, values, personality and skills. Students can schedule appointments via Handshake.

Tip # 2: It’s not the same as it used to be.

• The Career Education Center team keeps up to date on the current job market and has many resources available for students to connect to employers and alumni. Check out the article 500 Companies Hiring Students on Handshake Right Now.

Tip # 3: Their first job will not be a “forever” job.

• Encourage your student to continue to develop skills and competencies employers seek knowing that they will have many jobs after graduation.

Tip # 4: Take advantage of career planning resources now.

• Students are encouraged to access the Career Education Center early and often. A good first step is to develop their Handshake profile. Through Handshake, students can schedule appointments with Career Education Center staff and connect to employers and alumni. Encourage students to start today!

Lastly, encourage students to network and keep track of the connections they have made. LinkedIn and resources like our tracking sheet can be helpful.

Does your company have opportunities to post?

For more information on ways to partner and how you can share your opportunities with the University of Portland community, please contact Julia Mayfield, Employer Relations & Alumni Outreach Manager at Mayfield@up.edu.