Help! My Career Plans Don’t Match My Parents’ Expectations. Susan Okamoto Lane, Dean of Multi-Ethnic & Wellness Programs Laurence Idos, Senior, Theology major

How many of you had this deadly conversation during Christmas break?

Goals for this workshop 1. Unpack why this issue feels so loaded 2. Identify the underlying and often unspoken expectations about majors and careers in your family or community 3. Give you three strategies to prepare for “the talk” and to respond with greater clarity and confidence to inevitable questions

You are not alone in having to answer the question, “So…What’s next?”

What influences parental expectations about majors and careers?

DOCTOR NURSE ENGINEER TEACHER ACCOUNTANT If you are a first-generation college student like me…

How do I tell my parents that my interests don’t match their expectations?

Strategy 1: Dig into your family stories  Draw out a genogram/family tree of college majors and careers (lots of online resources about genograms)

Analyze your family genogram with these questions  Is there a predominant theme related to education, college major, career?  Who are the Stars and who are the Strugglers in your family lore?  Complete these statements. “In my family…”  “Success” means _____________  “Struggling” looks like _________________  For women, careers are ________________  For men, careers are __________________ These are underlying and usually unspoken issues to consider, prepare for and address.

Strategy 2: Do Your Research!  SPU Center for Career & Calling  Classes, career/interest assessments  SPULink  Informational interviews  SPU Mentor program (list of mentors, application in Banner)  Class speakers, work supervisors  People in your own network (professors, academic advisors, work supervisors)  Summer jobs and INTERNSHIPS before you graduate! You wouldn’t go into an important class presentation unprepared, so do the same for this conversation!

Strategy 3: Prepare your “elevator speech”  Also called a “30-second commercial”  Keep in mind the underlying, unspoken expectations  Practice with trusted friend or mentor and get feedback  Pay attention to who to talk with first, timing, setting, context  Keep it simple and brief and anticipate that people may not get it get it The non-verbals of your confidence and delivery will be as powerful as your words

Consider providing “elevator speech” resources to help family members answer the inevitable questions about YOU

Your Takeaways and Next Steps

 Dig into the underlying and unspoken expectations, fears, and stories in your family about college and career  Research and Prepare! (data, self-assessment, networking, experience) Think of this like taking a 2-credit class  Write and practice an “elevator speech” so you don’t fumble around in your response to questions and concerns Caveat: Your major doesn’t determine your career. Within five years of graduation, >50% of college grads are in a career not directly related to their major