You probably started when your student was in high school, “How about signing up for the SAT; isn’t it about time?” or “A summer job would be a good idea; I think you should start filling out applications this weekend!” You nudged, urged, and cheered them on and now they’ve launched, well into their first semester at UMW and guess what…you still have a role to play in helping them along!
While most students quickly realize the importance of learning their way around the academic world that is at the heart of their four-year experience, the notion of what comes next can remain hazy for quite some time. “Careers? Grad school? I’ll figure that out later!”
The Center for Career and Professional Development (CCPD) has a different perspective. In our experience, getting an early start to career planning can represent a terrific advantage for students, and that is why we developed the Roadmap program for first year students.
Roadmap: A Path to Career Readiness
The Roadmap program is a year-long career coaching program for first-year students focused on career exploration. It involves a series of meetings (one every few months) with a Career Coach with set discussion topics, including:
- Career assessments and research
- Developing a resume, cover letter, and elevator pitch
- Internship and job search tools and tips
- Career readiness
The application is now open and students will be invited to start the program on or shortly after November 1. They will receive a welcome email from our office with additional information but (spoiler alert!) the next step is also very easy: just contact the CCPD to set up their initial meeting with a Career Coach.
It’s that simple! Four easy meetings (more if the student desires or the coach recommends) with one of our staff and your student will have a jumpstart on career planning for the rest of their time at UMW. So, as you spend some quality time together over Fall Break or maybe if you have a phone call prior we hope you’ll work in a gentle reminder, “Did you know about UMW’s Roadmap program…?”
Mary Becelia, Career Coach, Center for Career and Professional Development