FAQs > Parents

Frequently Asked Questions from Parents

Do all students meet with a career counselor?

No, students may be directed to use our services by instructors, or they may choose to use our offerings, but there is no general requirement.

What is the placement rate of St. Thomas graduates? 

We survey students between nine and twelve months after they have graduated, hoping that allows for a realistic time-frame to find employment or make a decision about the future.  We usually learn that close to 98% of the graduates we hear from are either employed, in graduate school, have joined the military or are doing a volunteer experience. This information is provided in the Post Graduation Survey Report.

Are internships important to in the job market today?

Yes, employers like to hire students with internship experience and at least half of students will have such an experience by graduation. To see where recent graduates had internships, view the full Post Graduation Survey Report downloadable as a PDF.

What exactly can my son/daughter do with their major?

The Academic Counseling Web site has a wonderful reference, "What can I do with a major in..." We also recommend the Post Graduation Survey Report which lists employment opportunities by major of recent graduates.  

How can my son/daughter be best prepared for the job search?

We recommend that students have the following by graduation:

• An understanding of the career planning process.
• A resume, preferably reviewed by a Career Development Center staff person.
• At least one internship, or employment (on or off-campus) experience related to the student’s area of career interest.
• Two opportunities to speak with professionals working in areas of their career interest (informational interviews).
• An understanding of interviewing techniques, networking, and job search correspondence.