Any parent of a college senior looks forward to May’s graduation ceremony with smiling anticipation.  All the congratulations and pats on the head for a job well done may not prepare you for the harsh reality of your son or daughter joining the ranks of unemployed graduates.  So keep the childhood bedroom warm and home-cooked meals ready just in case your college graduate comes home to roost again.

Many recent college graduates I have had the privilege of counseling are enthusiastic, intelligent, ambitious and committed to succeeding in their career and in all aspects of their life. The cloud of the recession has created a serious gravitation pull-back for the younger generation sometimes aborting their successful launch into adulthood. Not only are job opportunities limited, but many professional positions eventually require a graduate degree. Added to this potentially gloomy mix is the debt incurred from the cost of a college education.

It’s a catch-22 for young graduates who want to work, but find few opportunities!

As a parent, you can play a pivotal role in providing support during this transition period by gently pushing your shiny new graduate toward taking initiative and locating important job search resources.

Open discussion

In a warm and supportive manner, sit down and engage your son or daughter in a dialogue about his or her interests and ideas about a career path. Avoid being judgmental if some of the ideas seem fluffy and idealistic. It’s fine to offer suggestions, but if you are too direct, there is a good chance your college grad will rebel against your recommendations. Encourage your son or daughter to explore career ideas by talking with professionals and researching career information online. An excellent resource is the Occupational Outlook Handbook, (www.bls.gov/oco/)

College career center

Urge your son or daughter to visit the campus career center before graduation. Even after graduation, alums can schedule appointments in person or via phone with a college career counselor to discuss career goals and job search strategies. Most college career centers have an online alumni network of professionals in a variety of fields who are willing to provide advice to recent graduates about their career field and give suggestions about where to find job opportunities. Information about career fairs, job openings, resumes and interviewing is often posted on the center’s website.

Network

I can never say enough about the power of networking. If you have contacts, don’t hesitate to take advantage of them on behalf of your son and daughter.  And if you don’t have many contacts, encourage your son or daughter to find professionals through LinkedIn and Alumni networks.

Local resources

Campus Philly (www.campusphilly.com) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to building economic growth in the Greater Philadelphia tri-state region by working with local employers to offer students and recent grads internship and employment opportunities. Current jobs are posted on the main page with lots of additional great resources. 

Depression

A recent grad who doesn’t have a job may view this reality as a failure rather than just a temporary situation. Anxiety about the future can lead to depression. If you notice that your son or daughter is showing symptoms of weight gain, loss of appetite, or lack of energy and focus, it could be a sign of more serious depression requiring the assistance of a mental health professional.

Self esteem

Remind your college grad that you are proud of his or her accomplishments and that you are confident in his or her ability to find a good opportunity.   

Your job may not be over yet, parents! Continued guidance and understanding armed with some basic information about career and job resources can go a long way toward helping your college grads take control of their lives and careers.