For Parents and Families
Welcome, Vassar Families!
We know how invested you are in your student’s future and we share that commitment. Throughout your student’s time at Vassar, the Center for Career Education is committed to providing personalized advising, specialized resources, and a supportive network. But your perspective, encouragement, and real-world insight remain invaluable. Below, you’ll find an overview of how our office supports your student, along with practical ways you can help guide their journey at every stage.
How We Support Your Student
Individualized Advising
- Self-assessments and career exploration (Focus2)
- Resume development and review
- Mock interviews and job/internship search strategies
- Graduate and professional school application support
Proactive Student Outreach
- Weekly CCE emails detailing upcoming events, workshops, deadlines, and resources
- Email announcements for events/positions related to students’ individualized interests/majors indicated in Handshake
- Regular engagement with student and alums followers on Instagram and LinkedIn
Signature Events
- Sophomore Career Connections
- Senior Week at the CCE
- Alum networking events across the U.S.
Employer Engagement
- On- and off-campus recruiting events
- On-campus interviews and information sessions
- Alum networking and information sessions
How You Can Encourage Your Student
- Encourage early and regular engagement with a career counselor and the Center for Career Education’s services and events. We work with students at every stage, from exploring majors and careers to actively seeking post-graduate opportunities.
- Discuss and support the importance of multiple, meaningful summer experiences, beginning in the first year. These experiences allow students to explore interests, ask questions, create contacts, and make new discoveries about themselves and their career options. Students can browse opportunities on Handshake.
- Observe and listen to your student’s passions and strengths. Encourage them to explore!
- Encourage networking through the Vassar network and, if possible, your own. Studies find that nearly 75% of jobs are secured through networking. Guide your student on how to approach the initial outreach to your professional contacts and encourage them to begin networking early—Vassar’s Alum Directory is a great place to start!
- Learn more:
How You Can Help All Vassar Students
There are many ways you can make a difference in the lives of Vassar students and young alums:
Hire Vassar Talent
Help open doors for the next generation of Vassar graduates. Roles connected to Vassar parents and alums receive exclusive visibility on a curated Handshake page, alongside targeted outreach to qualified students. Post an opportunity directly or contact hirevassar@vassar.edu to explore a tailored recruiting strategy. Learn more on our Hire Vassar page.
Share Your Professional Experiences
Whether you are planning a visit to campus or connecting virtually from afar, we welcome parents and families to share their industry insights and career journeys with our students. We offer flexible options to match your schedule.
Express Interest in Hosting an Event
To help us in other ways, or if you have any questions for the Center for Career Education, please e-mail us at cce@vassar.edu.
Life after Vassar
Curious about where a Vassar degree leads? Explore our Outcomes page to see our top employers, graduate and professional school destinations, and the wide variety of opportunities our graduates pursue.