Tips for talking with your student about their future
Talking about careers with your student can be a meaningful opportunity to connect. Today’s career paths are more varied than ever, and students don’t need to have everything figured out right now. With encouragement, open conversations and the right resources, students can take small, confident steps toward their future.
Here are a few ways to approach career conversations with your student, plus tools and resources that can help along the way.
Start with listening, not solving
Today’s job market looks different than it did even a few years ago. Many “entry‑level” jobs now ask for previous experience, which can feel discouraging to students who are just getting started.
When talking with your student:
- Ask open-ended questions like, “What kinds of roles are you curious about right now?”
- Listen without rushing to fix or advise.
- Validate that it’s okay to feel unsure or overwhelmed.
Sometimes students just need space to talk things through before they’re ready for next steps.
Help them see the skills they’re already building
Many students don’t realize how much experience they already have. Professional skills aren’t just gained through internships. They’re built every day through:
- Classes and group projects
- Student organizations and leadership roles
- Part-time jobs and on-campus employment
- Volunteering and community involvement
You can help by asking questions like:
- “What kinds of projects have you enjoyed?”
- “What problems do people come to you for help with?”
If your student has trouble naming their skills, Career Services offers tools and information to help students identify and talk about what they’ve gained, and how it connects to future roles.
Share that career paths aren’t always straight lines
If your own career path (or that of someone you know) took a few turns, share that story. Many students feel pressure to have everything figured out right now, and it might help put things in perspective.
Remind them:
- It’s normal for career paths to change.
- Taking a next step matters more than choosing a “perfect” job.
- Learning what doesn’t fit can be just as valuable as learning what does.
If your Buff is looking for more guidance, career advisors can also help students explore majors, interests and options without pressure to commit to one path.
Encourage values-based conversations
Careers aren’t just about job titles—they’re also about what matters to a student.
You might ask:
- “What kinds of challenges do you want to help solve?”
- “What kind of work environment feels right to you?”
Career Services offers tools like Career Values Card Sort and SparkPath Challenge Cards to help students think about how their values connect to the types of work they may enjoy. These can be great conversation starters and a way to start exploring.
Normalize networking as relationship-building
For many students, “networking” sounds intimidating. It can help to reframe it as simply learning from others.
Let your student know:
- Networking starts the moment they enroll at CU—faculty, staff supervisors and peers can all be in their network.
- Conversations—not job asks—are the goal.
- It’s okay to be curious and ask questions.
Students can tap into the CU network through:
- Forever Buffs Network, where they can connect directly with alumni
- , to see where CU graduates work and what roles they hold
- Career events and employer visits on campus
Explore part-time jobs and experiences
Hands-on experience helps students build confidence and skills early.
Encourage your student to:
- Log into Handshake and explore jobs, internships and events
- Use keywords tied to interests—not just majors
- Look at curated job searches and on-campus opportunities
On-campus student employment is a great way to earn money, build a resume and practice professional skills in a supportive environment.
Encourage them to show up, even if they’re unsure
Career fairs and events are designed for exploration, not perfection. All students of all majors are welcome at events like the on April 2. Showing up, asking questions and practicing conversations are wins on their own.
Remind them they don’t have to do this alone
If these conversations feel like a big leap, that’s okay. Career Services is here to help students:
- Explore majors and career interests
- Take career assessments
- Build resumes and practice interviews
- Make a plan—step by step
Students can meet with a career advisor one-on-one or stop by during drop‑in hours, no matter their major or career goals.