Transition
Continuing Students Family Transition Guide
By the second year and beyond, students are building confidence, clarifying academic and career goals, and taking on greater responsibility both inside and outside the classroom. As they refine their path, your role naturally shifts from day-to-day manager to trusted mentor. Your steady encouragement, perspective, and belief in their abilities continue to play an important role in their success.
Use the key action steps below to support your student as they grow, plan, and prepare for what comes next.
Deepening Academic Focus throughout the Second Year
As students move into their second year, they begin shifting from exploration to direction. This is a key time for clarifying academic interests, confirming majors, and building relationships that support long-term success.
Key Action Items:
- Encourage your student to meet regularly with their academic advisor
- Remind them to review their degree progress and major requirements
- Explore interest in undergraduate research, internships, or experiential learning opportunities
- Continue reviewing financial aid details and any scholarship renewal requirements
Conversation Starters:
- What are you enjoying most about your program so far?
- Have any classes or experiences sparked new interests or even career ideas?
Tips for Families:
- Support exploration while encouraging commitment
- Inquire about their long-term plans or hopes without pressuring them
- Remind your student that they are accountable for their own academic planning
Building Leadership & Experience in the third year
As students progress into their third year, they often become more involved on campus while gaining professional experience. This stage is critical for building skills, networks, and experiences that will support post-graduation goals.
Key Action Items:
- Encourage your student to apply for internships, part-time jobs, or leadership roles
- Discuss resume-building opportunities and ways to gain relevant experience
- Explore study abroad or other high-impact learning opportunities
- Suggest attending career fairs and networking events
- Check in on time management and overall balance
Conversation Starters:
- What experiences have been helping you grow, outside of the classroom?
- Have you had a chance to check out Handshake?
- Have you had a chance to visit Career Services?
Tips for Families:
- Continue to shift from problem-solving to asking guiding or prompting questions
- Celebrate them for taking the initiative and developing professionally
- Encourage resilience if internships or other exciting opportunities don't work out immediately
Preparing for graduation and what's next
As graduation approaches, students begin focusing more intentionally on life after college. Whether pursuing a career, graduate school, or other opportunities, this is a time for planning, reflection, and decision-making.
Key Action Items:
- Discuss career goals and timelines for achieving them
- Encourage use of Career Services for resume reviews, mock interviews, and job search support
- Review graduation requirements and application deadlines
- Talk through financial planning for life after graduation
Conversation Starters:
- What does your ideal first year out of college look like?
- What steps are you taking now to better prepare for your future?
- How can I support you as you think about your next steps?
Tips for Families:
- Try to offer perspective, not pressure
- Normalize uncertainty — many students refine plans after graduation
- Continue to encourage independence while remaining a source of support