Parents & Family
Sep ’25 News
With the new semester underway, now’s the perfect time for your student to explore opportunities for next summer and beyond. From internships to graduate school to full-time careers, the Office of Personal and Career Development (OPCD) is ready to guide them. Employers are actively engaging with students both online and on campus, and we have many exciting events planned, such as the Fall Career Fair, various career information sessions, and a new program for first-year and sophomore students interested in investment banking and financial services which will be held on Oct 18 and Nov 1.
College
As this new semester kicks off, it’s an ideal moment for your student to begin looking ahead to life after graduation. Whether they’re exploring internships, considering graduate school, or mapping out potential career paths, getting a head start now can truly set them up for success later in the academic year.
Your encouragement is invaluable on this journey. Simple actions like discussing their resume, prompting them to attend a workshop at the OPCD, or helping them connect with alumni can significantly boost their confidence as they navigate their options.
Our dedicated career coaches at the OPCD are here to support your student through every stage of their professional development. We wholeheartedly encourage them to start or continue a productive working relationship with a coach to explore all the exciting possibilities ahead. do this well. Early engagement with the OPCD will give your student a kick start on their career preparation, especially in a challenging job market.
School of Business
As students are back on campus, there’s often a renewed energy for career exploration. If your student is beginning to consider internships or their initial job search, sharing this brief video on job search strategies could be a great starting point for discussing their next steps.
For those students who are focused on a career in Finance, we’re excited to highlight a special program this fall: the Finance Career Accelerator: Sharpening Skills, Shaping Futures, taking place on October 18 and November 1.
This two-day program is crafted to equip sophomores with the essential tools, resources, and valuable industry insights needed to navigate the competitive recruiting landscape in finance. The cost is $100 per student, and registration details will be announced soon.
Please encourage your student to make the most of these opportunities as they continue to shape their professional journey. We are always here to provide support and guidance along the way.
Job/Internship Search
Employer activity on campus is in full swing, and we’re looking forward to a very active month! To help your student make the most of these opportunities, please encourage them to:
- Join us at the Fall Career Fair on September 17, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., at the Sutton Center.
- Keep an eye on Handshake for on-campus employer information sessions and be sure to RSVP. These sessions cover a wide range of industries and roles, for both full-time positions and internships.
- Check Handshake for virtual sessions, too, from organizations that can’t make it to campus.
- Apply early to any opportunities they’re interested in—it’s always a good idea to submit applications well before the deadline.
For students who are studying abroad, they will receive an email with details on how to access live streams of the on-campus sessions we have permission to share.
Professional Headshots Now Available for All Students
New Iris Photo Booth helps students put their best professional image forward
Your student is getting ready to elevate their professional presence! The Office of Personal & Career Development (OPCD) now offers a new Iris Photo Booth in Reynolda 230. This free service provides your student with a professional headshot, perfect for their LinkedIn profile, online portfolios, and other professional needs.
Webinars
What can you do as a parent?
Parents play a critical role in their child’s college experience and their decisions for the future. However, the world of work is quite different than 30, 20 or even 10 years ago. In order to give your student sound advice, it is essential for you to understand the environment, resources and opportunities available for your student. You can play an integral role as your student navigates through their time at Wake Forest and makes plans for their future.
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 are providing you with a Ready 7 guide which includes language on how to help your scholar navigate the process.