Reconciling Differences in Expectations and Desires

It is not unusual for differences to emerge between the desires of students and those of parents regarding the selection of majors and career fields.  The college experience exposes and launches students towards new experiences, ideas, introspection, independent thought and action, and questioning “conventional wisdom”.  At the same time, based on genuine caring and concern, many parents – with years of life experience behind them and knowing their children as they do – have developed strong beliefs and expectations about career fields that would be suitable for their son or daughter.  Wanting what is best for one’s child is a concern that is universal among all parents and not bound by social status, culture, ethnicity, or country of origin.  However, this topic can also be fertile ground for disagreements and stress to occur between parent and student, as well as a sensitive topic for student development professionals to address.

As your student continues his or her college career, we recommend that you maintain an open dialog with your son or daughter about their life as a university student with regard to what they are learning, experiencing, thinking about, struggling with, and considering for their future.  Also, please consider the following:

• Occupations that are currently popular and highly lucrative may not remain so in the future.  The economy, job markets and employment trends will likely change.
  
  
• 60% of all jobs that will exist in the year 2020 were not in existence when your child was in preschool.  This trend will likely remain in the future.
  
  
• While all students should be challenged by academic pursuit, not all students have the aptitude required for certain majors and skill sets.  Poor grades, pervasive frustration, and waning interest in major course areas, even after obtaining assistance/tutoring, are indicators that students may not thrive, be successful, or feel satisfied in the career for which that discipline is preparing them.  Some people are simply not well suited for certain occupations.
  
  
• The critical skills that employers seek in all fields include the ability to think critically, problem-solve, utilize technology, communicate and write effectively, work collaboratively with others, be open to new ideas, update knowledge and learn new skills and be adaptable.  These skills are taught in all majors PLNU offers.
  
  
• PLNU students from all majors have found rewarding, successful careers that were not directly related to their major.
  
  
• A significant number of graduates obtain career focus only after they enter the world of work for one or more years, gain real world experience, and then commit to a profession.  For many, the decision to gain more training or enter graduate school serves as confirmation of career choice.

Critical skills in the Workplace

Each year the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) conducts a survey to learn the attributes employers look for when recruiting new hires.  Year after year, the qualities listed below remain in the top 10 list.

Top 10 Qualities Employers Seek

1. Communication skills – both in verbal and written effectiveness
2. Honesty/integrity – conducting ones self professionally
3. Teamwork skills – the ability to work collaboratively with others
4. Interpersonal skills – ability to engage and relate well to others
5. Strong work ethic – valuing hard work and commitment
6. Motivation/initiative – enthusiasm and proactive in their work
7. Flexibility/adaptability – adapting to changing conditions and roles
8. Analytical skills – analyzing complex information and forming solutions
9. Computer skills – understand and use technology
10. Organizational skills – manage multiple tasks and meet deadline