Has your student recently graduated from college or high school. These are a few lessons that might help you, as parents, answer the question, “Now What?”
Many parents are more involved in their adult children’s careers today compared to previous generations. You’ve probably heard of Take Your Child to Work Days. Now, major companies like Google and LinkedIn offer days when you can bring your parents to work.
I am serious!
Because many technology jobs didn’t even exist as recently as a few years ago, this was one way to bridge that generational digital divide.
A LinkedIn survey found that 59% of parents want to know more about what their child does at work, and 50% thought they could help their kids more if they had a better understanding of their career.
If you want to give your children wise advice, these tips will help you get started. Try them with your graduate and with your employer.
Steps to Take with Your Son or Daughter
1.Learn about their work. If you have trouble describing what your recent graduate does, ask them to explain. Discover how they contribute to society. Before you know it, you’ll have a greater appreciation for big data analytics or VoIP service phones. It does work!
2.Provide encouragement. Show your support. Keep up with the latest news in their industry. Listen when they talk about what’s going on at the office. Congratulate them on their victories and empathize with their disappointments.
3.Share advice. Greater knowledge will enable you to give more constructive feedback. Think about your own experiences, and how they may be relevant. Even if you’re a farmer and your recent graduate is a hedge fund analyst, some issues like teamwork and flexibility will still apply and these skills are invaluable.
4.Be a good role model. Set a good example. Demonstrate the value of meaningful work, cooperation, and giving back to society. Start early with discussions about responsibility, service, and non-material rewards.
5.Keep an open mind. Depending on your age, dress codes and office layouts look a lot different than what you’re used to. Welcome positive changes and innovative thinking.
6.Meet their coworkers. Personal relationships play an important role in your graduate’s job satisfaction.
Take advantage of opportunities to get to know their fellow team members.
7.Resist meddling. Respect your graduate’s independence. Do proofread their resume. But under NO Circumstances go to the interviews. It’s up to them to negotiate their own salary and benefits package.
Suggestions for Your Own Employer
1.Organize a Parents Day. Help your workplace get on board with the latest trends. Suggest a day for all employees’ families to visit. Coordinate the invitations and agenda. Set aside time for a tour, presentations, and conversation.
2.Provide targeted communications. Develop materials that family members might use. One possibility might be to create an email newsletter for the family, spouses and parents.
3.Focus on family events. Consider a family component to office events when appropriate. Older workers caring for children and elderly parents may like to include them in social gatherings.
Supportive families can help everyone to all be happier and more productive at work.
Tom & Maria of Career and College Counselors can help both adults and students choose the Right Career based on an assessment that will help you answer the essential questions: Who Am I? Where Do I Shine? And What Is My Purpose? We are “COUNSELORS AT YOUR KITCHEN TABLE.” Contact us today for a FREE Consultation! Call or Text 570-460-4855