Parents & Families

October ’26 News

As mid-semester approaches, sophomores reach an important milestone in their Wake Forest journey: exploring majors and minors, applying to academic programs, and planning for spring registration.

Parents play a key role as trusted sounding boards. While students take ownership of their path, your encouragement — along with support from the Office of Personal and Career Development (OPCD) — helps them navigate recruiting timelines, career exploration, and academic decisions.

---

Major and career exploration for sophomores

Mid- to late fall is an important window for sophomores planning their academic major and career trajectory. Here is how the OPCD partners with your student:

1. Navigating major and career exploration

Your student may be weighing multiple academic disciplines, considering a major in Wake Forest College, or preparing an application to the Wake Forest University School of Business.

The OPCD can help by:

• 1-on-1 major and career coaching: Providing personalized guidance for students exploring options or connecting majors to careers. Students can book an appointment via Handshake.
• School of Business preparation: Helping students reviewing business majors or minors align coursework with long-term goals using the School of Business Undergraduate Programs page.
• Major and Minor Fair: Encouraging students to attend the annual fair on Oct. 21 to connect directly with academic departments across the College.

2. Spring registration and career-centric electives

Spring course registration opens in early November, with advising beginning in late October. The OPCD offers 1.5-credit College-to-Career Courses taught by career advisors. These electives provide practical frameworks for career exploration, networking, personal branding, and interview preparation.

3. Early pipeline execution and internship recruiting

Many students begin recruiting early for summer internships, particularly in accounting, consulting, and finance. With thousands of opportunities posted on Handshake, students should update their Handshake profile to receive tailored recommendations and event alerts.

• Early application advising: Helping students stay on track with accelerated recruiting for accounting, consulting, and finance.
• Employer connections: Hosting employer events, industry panels, and networking opportunities on campus.
• Resume reviews: Offering feedback through “Wake Your Resume” drop-in hours and 1-on-1 coaching.

Featured opportunity: Finance Accelerator Workshop

For sophomores interested in investment banking, private equity, or corporate finance internships, strong technical and interview preparation is key.

The OPCD is hosting Training the Street — the global leader in financial modeling and analyst training used by top Wall Street investment banks — for an intensive, one-day Finance Accelerator workshop on Oct. 17.

Key deliverables:

• Technical skills: Hands-on financial modeling and practical Excel application.
• Interview prep: Strategies for answering technical interview questions with confidence.
• Expert guidance: Direct interaction with instructors and career coaches.

Program details:

• Date: Oct. 17 (Registration closes Oct. 16).
• Cost: $125 (Subsidized rate; standard market value exceeds $500).
• Capacity: Limited to 60 seats to ensure interactive instruction.
• Registration: Students can reserve their seat on Handshake.

Key campus events and info sessions

Upcoming opportunities for your student to engage with industry leaders, faculty, and graduate programs:

• Oct. 17: Finance Accelerator Workshop
• Oct. 22: Pre-Wall Street Career Track Info Session #1
• Oct. 22: Finance & Accounting Networking Night
• Oct. 28: What is Private Equity?
• Oct. 28: Pre-Wall Street Career Track Info Session #2
• Nov. 5: Virtual Graduate, Law & Professional School Fair

OPCD webinars for parents and families

Join OPCD leaders, Vice President Andy Chan and Associate Vice President Heidi Robinson, for virtual sessions on supporting your student throughout their Wake Forest journey. Registration links coming soon.

• Monday, Oct. 26, 6–7 p.m. — Senior Families
• Monday, Nov. 2, 5–6 p.m. — Sophomore & Junior Families
• Wednesday, Nov. 11, 5–6 p.m. — First-Year Families

---

Hire Wake Forest Talent

As a parent or family member, you know firsthand the quality, dedication, and preparation of Wake Forest students. If your organization is looking for exceptional interns or full-time employees who are ready to make an immediate impact, we encourage you to consider hiring from within the Forest.

Our students are equipped with the professional and communication skills, technical expertise, and adaptability required in today’s evolving workplace. You can help create opportunities for the next generation of Deacons by either contacting our Employer Relations team directly () or referring your head of talent and recruiting to our Employer Resources page.

---

Fall 2026 Webinars

---

---

How can I guide my student through the college-to-career process?

You know the furniture assembly instructions that are impossible to follow especially when you have missing parts? Our Ready 7 process is not like that! We not only provide 7 achievable steps for students to follow, but also the tools and resources to complete them in order to be fully “career and life ready.” As a supporter of your student, we’ve put together a Ready 7 guide just for families which includes language on how to help your Deac navigate the process. Download the Ready 7 guide for parents & families.