Finding a job and a career after college is a concern for nearly every college student and every college parent. Beyond Tuition: Career Coaching Your College Kid
The career development process, and career development offices, have changed in recent years. Students no longer visit the ”placement office” for the first time late in their senior year to perhaps polish up a resume and read the job board. Students are now encouraged to begin working with Career Offices early in their time in college. Gilbert’s book helps parents understand the importance of these early connections, and the more that parents understand, the more that they can guide their students.
Gilbert acknowledges that parent support is integral to a student’s success and works to equip parents to guide their child throughout the process.
Beyond Tuition is a small volume and, as Gilbert acknowledges, an easy read. Especially helpful are the ”Takeaway Thoughts” at the end of each chapter and the many resources and websites suggested throughout. The many student stories included will help parents recognize their own child in several situations.
If you are concerned about your student’s approach to career development, and especially if you wonder how you can help without becoming overly involved, Beyond Tuition will be a useful resource for both you and your student.
About the author:
Sharon Gilbert has over 20 years of experience working with college students. She has worked in corporate Human Resources and also as a Director of College Relations. Sharon now works in Career Services at New Jersey Institute of Technology, combining her interest in career development and her desire to help others find their career niche.
Sharon is a Licensed Professional Counselor in New Jersey, with a Master’s degree in Counseling from Montclair State University and Career Development certification from New York University.
What the author as to say about the book:
”As an experienced career counselor working with college students, as well as putting two children of my own through college, I know every parent wants to see a return on the major investment spent on college tuition. That’s why parents need to better understand the role their children must play in planning their future. . .
When parents better understand the role their student needs to play in career planning, they can help focus him/her to be proactive and develop self-awareness, self-determination and knowledge about career options. . .
Your job is to act as a collaborator or coach. Remember, one size doesn’t fit all. Do not be quick to give advice or be desperate to make everything happen at once, but be flexible as the decision making process evolves. . . This book is designed to offer you information, tips and tools to pass on to your child.”
”This book is designed:
- To raise awareness that career planning and job hunting in the 21st century are more complex for college graduates.
- To explain what a parent’s role in his child’s career planning can be.
- To inform parents about resources, helpful websites, services, and questions to facilitate meaningful conversations between parents and child.
- To take you through the complete career development process: from self-assessment to succeeding on the job.
It is an easy read, chock full of good information that will help you understand the subtleties of career planning and how to talk to your child about it.”
What others have to say about the book:
”As a parent of a college freshman, I’m so excited to have found this terrific handbook! If you want expert advice on how to motivate and support your child in planning for his/her career success while still in school, buy this book! It’s chock-full of tools, resources, and all the do’s and don’ts of handling the steps of career planning, with concrete examples of real-life scenarios parents find themselves in.”
Barbara Corcoran, Founder, The Corcoran Group
”While a college degree statistically remains a good lifetime investment, it often comes with a financial burden. Beyond Tuition is a must read for parents and career professionals seeking practical and relevant advice on inspiring students to be focused and self-directed in preparing for future careers.”
Gregory Mass, Executive Director, NJIT Career Development Services
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