At Southern, we understand that parents and families play a meaningful role in shaping a student’s academic and career journey. While the road to career clarity may not happen overnight, your encouragement and support can make all the difference as students engage in self-discovery, build competencies, and prepare for life after graduation.
How We Support Your Student
The Office of Career and Professional Development (OCPD) provides personalized services, programs, and tools to help students clarify their goals and take steps toward rewarding careers. Our mission is to equip all Southern students and alumni with the confidence, connections, and skills needed to thrive in an ever-evolving workforce.
From major exploration and résumé writing to internships, job searching, and graduate school planning, our support is available throughout a student’s time at Southern—and beyond.
Ways You Can Support Your Student
Parents and families often serve as the first and most influential career mentors. Here are a few ways you can help your student grow:
- Encourage Exploration: Prompt your student to visit OCPD early and often—career development is a process, not a one-time decision.
- Normalize Uncertainty: It’s okay if your student isn’t sure about a major or career path. We help students explore their strengths, interests, and options.
- Promote Engagement: Suggest attending career events such as fairs, panels, and workshops.
- Celebrate Progress: Help them reflect on skills gained through academics, part-time jobs, volunteering, and campus involvement.
Helpful Resources
- Career Readiness Competencies
- Student Resources & Guides
- JOBSs: Jobs & Internships
- Meet with a Career Advisor
Our Approach
We encourage students to take ownership of their career development journey. While OCPD does not conduct career advising directly with parents or families, we invite you to explore our website to learn more about how we support your student’s success.
Plan with Purpose — Explore Careers and Salaries
When it comes to choosing a career path, passion and interest are essential — but so is understanding the realities of the job market. Many of our students arrive with certain ideas about which fields are “high-paying,” often based on advice from parents or family. Sometimes those assumptions are correct, but not always.
The O*NET Online database provides up-to-date, research-based information on thousands of occupations, including:
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Typical salary ranges
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Job growth projections
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Required skills and education
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Day-to-day work activities
Encourage your student to explore O*NET to compare potential career paths, balancing what excites them with what will support their long-term goals. Together, you can make informed decisions that align their passion with a sustainable future.
📍 Location: Buley Library, Room 102
🌐 Website: https://www.southernct.edu/career
📧 Email: careerservices@southernct.edu
Let us know if we can help you guide your student toward a fulfilling and successful future.