Career Corner: Summer Offers a Chance for a Strong Start
You want the best for your student—especially when it comes to their future. While summer break is often seen as a time for students to relax and recharge, it’s also a prime opportunity for them to gain meaningful experience that can shape their career path, boost their confidence, and set them apart after graduation.
Whether they’re about to embark on their first year at Fisher, or are returning to campus, there are many ways students can make the most of their summer vacation.
Helping Your Student Start Strong: Introducing Handshake
For students beginning their college journey, it’s natural to feel a mix of excitement, pride, and maybe even a little anxiety. One of the best ways you can support them from the start is by encouraging early engagement with career development resources, and that begins with Handshake.
According to a Gallup poll, college graduates who use their campus career centers are not only more likely to secure full-time employment, but also more likely to find fulfilling jobs. That’s why we want to introduce you to Handshake—a powerful platform your student has access to as part of the St. John Fisher University community.
What is Handshake?
Handshake is your student’s one-stop career platform, connecting them directly to:
- On-campus and off-campus job opportunities, including work-study, internships, and part-time and full-time roles
- Career-related events hosted by employers and the Career Services team
- Appointments with career coaches
- 24/7 access to the Career Services website, packed with tools and resources for résumé development, company research, networking tips, and more
Your student can log into Handshake through the my.sjf.edu launchpad (will require SJF sign-in credentials). From there, they can explore opportunities, schedule career coaching appointments, and begin building a personalized profile that will help employers and recruiters find them. In fact, students with a complete Handshake profile are five times more likely to be contacted by employers with job and internship opportunities.
What Can You Do as a Parent?
- Ask your student if they’ve logged into Handshake and encourage them to take a few minutes to explore.
- Remind them to update their profile—it’s the key to unlocking customized job recommendations.
- Mark your calendar: Work-study positions will be posted on Handshake starting Friday, Aug. 1.
Partnering With You for Success
At Fisher, we believe career development should begin early and continue throughout your student’s college experience. Our Career Services team is here every step of the way to guide your student as they explore interests, gain experience, and prepare for life after college. We can’t wait to welcome your student to campus—and we’re excited to partner with you in helping them thrive, both in college and beyond.
Why Summer Experience Matters for Your College Student
Here’s five reasons why sophomores, juniors, and seniors should use the summer months to focus on career exploration.
Ask your student, “What’s one thing you could do this summer that your future self will thank you for?”
This isn’t about turning summer into a nonstop grind. Rest and relaxation are also important for mental health and academic success. The goal is balance—encouraging your student to seek meaningful experiences that also leave room for renewal and fun.
1. It Builds a Stronger Résumé
In today’s competitive job market, a diploma alone isn’t enough. According to a 2023 National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) survey, 91 percent of employers look for job candidates with work experience, and more than half want that experience to be related to the position. Whether it’s an internship, part-time job, volunteer role, or independent project, summer activities provide concrete examples of initiative and real-world application of academic skills.
How You Can Help: Encourage your student to reflect on what skills or industries interest them and help them explore opportunities that align with those interests.
2. It Helps Them Explore (and Clarify) Career Paths
Many students enter college unsure of their long-term goals—and that’s okay. But summer is a valuable window to explore different fields and discover what they do (and don’t) enjoy. A 2022 report from Inside Higher Ed revealed that about 30 percent of college students change their major at least once. Gaining firsthand experience early can help reduce costly missteps later.
How You Can Help: Support your student in finding job shadowing or volunteer opportunities that let them explore careers in a low-stakes environment.
3. It Expands Their Professional Network
We all know that connections can open doors. LinkedIn reports that 85 percent of jobs are filled through networking. Summer internships and jobs introduce students to mentors, potential employers, and professionals in their field of interest.
How You Can Help: Encourage your student to maintain relationships with supervisors or coworkers, and remind them of the value of a simple thank-you note or LinkedIn connection.
4. It Strengthens Soft Skills Employers Want
Beyond technical knowledge, employers seek candidates with strong communication, time management, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. Summer experiences naturally build these essential competencies—whether your student is working at a retail job, helping at a local nonprofit, or assisting in a research lab.
How You Can Help: Remind your student that every job—big or small—teaches important life and work skills. Help them see the value in the experience, not just the title.
5. It Fosters Confidence and Independence
Summer experiences push students outside their comfort zones. Taking on new responsibilities helps them grow more confident, self-reliant, and prepared for life after college. According to a Strada-Gallup survey, students with relevant work experience are more than twice as likely to feel confident in their career readiness compared to those without.
How You Can Help: Celebrate their wins—whether it’s landing a job interview, navigating a tough shift, or completing a challenging project. Your encouragement makes a big difference.
Supporting your college student in seeking out summer experiences isn’t just about adding lines to a résumé—it’s about helping them build a foundation for success. With your guidance and encouragement, this summer can be a turning point in their personal and professional growth.