While some may think career trajectories are linear, the reality often involves twists and turns, with individuals exploring diverse roles and evolving interests over time. During their time at MSU Denver, families and supporters should encourage students to self-reflect, gain skills to navigate changes effectively, and learn the value of career-connected experiences like on campus jobs, internships, research opportunities and/or leadership development.
Supporting Professional Success
For families and supporters of college students, it’s essential to understand that success in today’s dynamic job market requires more than just academic achievements. At MSU Denver, the Classroom to Career Hub plays a pivotal role in guiding students towards a seamless transition from classroom learning to professional success.
Here are some ways you all can support students in developing career skills in college.
- Encourage Self- Reflections: Help your student explore their values, interests, and strengths. You all can encourage them to reflect on their academic experiences and how they align with their career explorations. MSU Denver provides a guide for careers based on major.
- Promote on Campus Jobs: On-campus jobs provide valuable opportunities for students to gain practical experience, develop transferable skills and build professional networks. These roles not only provide financial support but also enhance their resume and prepare them for future career endeavors. Students can explore on-campus jobs through Workday.
- Internship Opportunities: Internships are work-based learning experience related to a student’s career goals and can be an important and impactful part of their career journey. These opportunities are valuable for gaining hands-on-experience in a real-world setting. Encourage your student to seek out internship opportunities related to their major or career interests.
- Networking in College: Networking in college can mean going to events on campus, meeting businesses and career minded individuals on and off campus, and/or creating a Linked-in account. There are many resources and events on campus that encourage students to get to know businesses and industry individuals. C2Hub at MSU Denver is a particularly useful resource for your learner.
Let’s look at these resources with a bit more depth, starting with Student Employment.
Knowledge Check
Test your understanding of the material on this page with the questions below. Consider your answer to each multiple choice question, then click “Check Your Answer” under each question to learn whether you were right!
- How can students gain insights into potential career paths and develop a deeper understanding of their strengths and preferences?
- By working in roles that resonate with their passions
- By attending campus events, career fairs, and industry-related workshops
- By juggling academic commitments alongside work responsibilities
- All of the above
Check your answer
All of the above