Amy Cavanaugh, Director of Career Services, shares how the UP Career Center has adjusted to meet the needs of students during this time.

The Career Center is Virtual! We realize that all of our partners, including students, alumni, faculty, staff, employers, and parents, have been through a significant amount of transition these past couple weeks. As students and faculty have transitioned to online courses, the Career Center has transitioned to virtual services. While the delivery method of our services has changed, we remain committed to our mission of educating and empowering students and alumni throughout their lifelong career development journey.

Not only has this global pandemic significantly impacted colleges and universities, it has a major impact on the world of work. Our Career Center team is here to guide students as they navigate their future. As students adapt to a new norm of taking courses online, finding ways to remain connected to friends, and adjusting to living in a different environment, their career development may not be their top priority right now. However, many parents and families may be wondering about summer employment. Our professional staff is regularly monitoring employer feedback about hiring plans, encouraging employers to consider remote internships, and reaching out to employers to post internship and job opportunities for UP students.

We are here to support students whenever they are ready.  Students can schedule a phone or video conference appointment with a staff member to talk about a range of career topics, including career exploration, resumes and cover letters, interview preparation, conducting informational interviews, developing an internship/job search strategy, using Handshake, networking, and more.

For students who are not sure where to start, the 30-minute Virtual Career Chat provides an opportunity to talk to a staff member about next steps and to have career questions answered. Seniors can also schedule a 30-minute Senior Game Plan appointment. Appointments can be scheduled online through Handshake (all students have access) or by calling 503.943.7201 between 8:30 a.m.–12 p.m. and again from 1–4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. You can also send an email to career@up.edu to make an appointment. 

While your student is at home and practicing social distancing, now is a great time for them to log in and activate their Handshake account if they haven’t done so already. Handshake is a centralized hub for internships, part-time, and full-time opportunities. Encourage them to explore this robust platform and reach out to the Career Center if they have any questions.

If you have questions or need additional information, please feel free to reach out to Amy Cavanaugh at cavanaug@up.edu.

Parents and students alike are adjusting to a “new normal.” Many are working or studying from home, transitioning to online formats, and learning how to share space. Students can also find themselves dealing with a sudden sense of loss over favorite activities, time with friends, independence, or those end-of-the-year traditions and events. Having to unexpectedly leave or disengage from their community can feel overwhelming and stressful. Helping students feel heard and supported is a great way that parents can help students dealing with these intense emotions. 

Here are some tips provided by the UP Health and Counseling Center for navigating this time and staying well: 

• Be patient. Spending large amounts of time in close quarters with others may be challenging for students at this time. Give each other the benefit of the doubt and time to adjust. We are all figuring this out as we go. 
• Communication is key. Check in to see how your student is doing and ask if there is anything you can do to support them. Let them know that you are there to talk or listen when they need you. 
• Maintain daily routines as much as possible. Motivate your student to keep up with their same school or life routine – “going to class,” doing a virtual “study group,” or making to-do lists. 
• Practice healthy habits and self-care. Keep up with workout routines, healthy diet, getting plenty of sleep, and try to get outside once a day for 30 minutes. Activities such as hiking, tennis, bike riding, and walking may be appropriate outdoor activities as long as students maintain a social distance of 6 feet from others.
• Social distancing, not disengaging. Encourage your student to keep in contact with friends, family, clubs, or hobbies through social media, email, text, or video chat.  
• Find something to look forward to. Whether it’s a movie night, FaceTime with a friend, or maybe a game night, find something to schedule into the week that gives your student (and maybe yourself) something to look forward to. 

In this time of adjustment and uncertainty, it is important that we show we are here to support our students. Show compassion, extend grace, and find the good in things. Look for support when you need it and encourage your student to do the same.  

Here are some mental health resources for you and your student during COVID-19: 

• Managing Mental Health (JED Foundation)
• Supporting Your Emotional Wellbeing During the COVID-19 Outbreak 
• Mental Health and Coping During COVID-19 (CDC)  
• Taking Care of Your Mental Health in the Face of Uncertainty (American Foundation for Suicide Prevention)  
• Coping with Coronavirus Anxiety 
• 10 Ways to Cope with Coronavirus Stress & Anxiety 
• Keeping Your Distance to Stay Safe 
• Crisis Text Line – This a free, 24/7, confidential text message service for people in crisis. 
• Suicide Prevention Lifeline – This is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 
• Protocall – This is a confidential, over-the-phone counseling for students (not accessible for parents). Available nights, weekends, and holidays by calling 503.943.7134 and selecting Option 3. For more information, visit the Health Center webpage.