Resources for Parents

 

Welcome Parents!

At the USSU Career and Internships Center, we are committed to guiding students throughout their college experience, helping them build the skills and confidence needed for career success. Our approach focuses on career readiness, ensuring students develop key professional competencies valued by employers across industries. These skills prepare them not only for the workforce but also for continued growth in their careers and post-graduate opportunities.

How Parents & Families Can Support Their Student

Parents and families play an essential role in a student’s career journey. We understand your desire to see them thrive, and providing encouragement is easier when you’re familiar with the resources available. Here are a few ways to get involved and help your student make the most of their career opportunities:

Ask Questions

One of the best ways to support your student is by encouraging accountability in their career journey. Asking thoughtful questions can help them reflect on their progress, identify areas where they may need support, and take advantage of available resources. Consider using the following prompts to engage in meaningful discussions about their career development:

  • Have you met with a Career Advisor? Who did you speak with, and what did you take away from the conversation?
  • Have you decided on a major? Have you explored career options related to your degree?
  • Have you attended any career fairs or networking events? What did you learn, and do you have any lingering questions?
  • What upcoming career-related events are you planning to attend?
  • Have you connected with professionals in your field of interest? Who have you spoken with, and what insights did they share?
  • Have you applied for any internships or jobs? What positions have you applied to, and what has been your experience so far?
  • Have you worked with the Career Center on your resume, cover letter, or graduate school applications? Would you like feedback on your materials?
  • Have you participated in mock interviews or offer negotiation workshops? How do you feel about your interview readiness?

Encouraging your student to actively engage with the USSU Career and Internships Center will help them gain confidence, develop valuable skills, and make informed decisions about their future.

 

Support your student by encouraging them to explore their options, stay proactive, and take full advantage of the resources available at the USSU Career and Internships Center. You can play an active role by guiding them toward valuable tools and opportunities that will enhance their career readiness.

Many common questions—whether from you or your student—can likely be answered through our website, where they can also sign up for alerts about:

  • Upcoming career fairs and networking events
  • Workshops and presentations on job search strategies, resume building, and interview preparation
  • Internship and job opportunities tailored to their interests
  • Special programs and resources designed to support career development

Encouraging your student to stay informed and engaged will help them take meaningful steps toward their career goals.

 

Encourage your student to take proactive steps in their career development by utilizing the resources available at the USSU Career and Internships Center.

  • Visit our website for career tools, upcoming events, and industry insights.
  • Stop by our office to speak with a career advisor and get personalized guidance.
  • Log in to our career management system to explore job and internship opportunities, stay updated on programming and recruiting events, and access other valuable career resources.

Support your student in seeking guidance from the USSU Career and Internships Center for:

  • Choosing or changing their major and understanding career pathways.
  • Building strong resumes and cover letters tailored to their goals.
  • Exploring opportunities in specific industries and learning about career trends.
  • Searching for internships, jobs, or graduate/professional school programs.

Encouraging your student to engage with these resources will help them make informed decisions and confidently move forward in their career journey.

 

Encourage your student to participate in experiential opportunities such as internships and part-time employment to help them develop valuable skills for the future. The USSU Career and Internships Center can assist in finding internships both nationally and internationally through a Career Coaching Appointment.

Throughout the year, we host multiple Career and Internship Fairs, providing students with opportunities to connect with employers and explore potential career paths. You and your student can stay informed about upcoming recruiting events by visiting our Events page.

Encourage your employer to offer job and internship opportunities to USSU students and alumni. Our Employer Relations team is available to assist in posting and promoting career opportunities, helping to connect employers with talented candidates.

Support your student in building their professional network by promoting responsible networking, both in person and online. Encourage them to use platforms like LinkedIn to connect with professionals in their desired career fields and geographic locations, opening doors to valuable mentorship and career opportunities.

Career Assistance for Your Student:
The Center for Career Development offers a variety of services, programs, and resources to students and alumni from first-year student through graduation, and beyond.

Career Readiness Competencies

We encourage students to assess their proficiency in key career readiness competencies to better understand their strengths and areas for growth. The USSU Career and Internships Center provides career coaching appointments to help students develop these essential skills:

  • Career & Self-Development
  • Communication
  • Critical Thinking
  • Equity & Inclusion
  • Leadership
  • Professionalism
  • Teamwork
  • Technology

Through career coaching and access to online resources, students can explore ways to enhance these competencies both inside and outside the classroom. They will also learn how to effectively communicate their skills to employers and leverage their strengths for long-term professional success.

The USSU Career and Internships Center offers guidance and resources for students who have not declared a major, are considering a change, or need more information about career paths related to their field of study. Our services include individual career advising, career planning support, specialized programs, and access to networking and career-related resources.

We assist students in building professional connections by providing strategies for effective networking, including the use of LinkedIn and other professional platforms. Through these resources, students can explore career opportunities, connect with industry professionals, and gain valuable insights into their chosen fields.

Students are encouraged to gain experience related to their career goals and interests. We work one-on-one with students and regularly hold workshops and presentations related to gaining those experiences through internships, co-ops, research experience, volunteer experiences, and more. Each year we hold an Internship and Co-op Fair and employers are recruiting interns throughout the entire academic year. Although most majors do not require an internship, many students do recognize the importance of gaining experience and we are here to help

We support students in their search for part-time and full-time jobs, summer employment, internships, and volunteer opportunities. CareerShift, our career management platform, provides access to a wide range of job and internship listings at both local and national levels. Beyond CareerShift, we offer additional resources to help students gain experience and prepare for the job market.

Students can schedule career coaching sessions to refine their resumes, cover letters, and job search strategies. Through employer engagement opportunities such as networking sessions, career fairs, and campus recruiting events, students and alumni can connect with potential employers. The USSU Career and Internships Center also shares career insights and opportunities through social media to keep students informed.

The USSU Career and Internships Center offers guidance for students considering graduate or professional school. Our services include assistance with researching programs, developing application materials, and exploring potential career pathways. Whether students are refining personal statements, preparing for interviews, or evaluating post-graduate opportunities, our team provides the resources and support needed to navigate the next steps in their academic and professional journey.

Students and alumni can participate in career fairs to explore new opportunities and connect with potential employers. There are several ways to stay informed about upcoming career fairs and events:

  • Visit the Events section on the USSU Career and Internships Center website.
  • Check the Career Fairs & Events page for details on upcoming opportunities.
  • Log into CareerShift to view and register for career-related events.

To access CareerShift, use your USSU email address (or a personal email if you are an alum without a university email). Follow the instructions to create an account. Within two business days of submitting your registration, you will receive access.

For assistance, please email Cai@ussa.edu with your full name, contact information, and a brief description of the issue.

Engaging in community volunteering is a great way for students and alumni to develop professional skills, expand their network, and contribute to meaningful causes. Volunteer experiences provide hands-on opportunities to strengthen leadership, teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills, all of which are highly valued by employers.

The USSU Career and Internships Center encourages students to explore local and national volunteer opportunities that align with their career goals and personal interests. Whether through service-learning projects, nonprofit organizations, or campus-led initiatives, volunteering can be a valuable way to gain experience while making a positive impact.

For assistance in finding volunteer opportunities that match their aspirations, students can schedule a career coaching appointment or visit the career center for guidance.