College Admissions: Done. Dorm Room: Unpacked. Now What?
Christine Rigby-Hall
5 Career Readiness Gaps That Can Catch Families Off Guard
5 Career Readiness Gaps That Can Catch Families Off Guard – And How to Get Ahead of Them
Welcome to the Next Chapter
After months of hard work, decisions, and celebrations, your student is finally off to college. As the dust settles and they begin their journey, many families are left wondering: what comes next?
At The Bertram Group, we know that college isn’t the finish line, it’s a launchpad. While students settle into campus life, it’s also a key time to lay the groundwork for their future. What happens in the first year of college can shape internship access, skill development, and even post-grad job opportunities.
That’s why we are identifying five common career readiness gaps we see among college students…and how thoughtful, early guidance from parents and mentors can make all the difference.
They’re Still Figuring Out Their Strengths
Many students begin college with impressive transcripts but limited insight into what energizes them or where their strengths truly lie. They’re often excellent students, yet unsure of what careers might align with their interests and abilities.
Why it matters: A lack of self-awareness can lead to rushed major changes, delayed internships, or defaulting into paths that don’t fit.
What parents can do: Encourage your student to explore career assessments like YouScience or visit their campus career center early. These tools help students gain insight into how they think and work, and what roles might fit them best.
If they’ve already taken YouScience in high school, revisit those results now. Ask:
Do these strengths still resonate?
What have you noticed about your interests since arriving on campus?
Student tip: Use this self-awareness to explore clubs, side projects, and classes that align with your aptitudes.
They Picked a Major, But Not a Direction
Some students choose a major because it’s familiar or encouraged but they don’t understand the roles and industries that actually connect to it.
Why it matters: A major isn’t a career plan. Without guidance, students may feel lost or disillusioned when the job search begins.
What parents can do: Sit down with your student and use tools like My Next Move or O*NET Online to research potential career paths together. These resources turn abstract majors into real-world possibilities.
Student tip: Ask alumni or professors how they’ve seen your major translate into career success. Get curious and start connecting the dots.
They’re Waiting Too Long to Start
Many students believe that career planning begins junior year. While that may have worked a decade ago, industries like tech, finance, and consulting recruit far earlier…sometimes by sophomore year.
Why it matters: Students who delay may miss internships or leadership roles that position them well post-graduation.
What parents can do: Encourage your student to engage now…whether that’s joining a club, seeking a part-time role, or exploring micro-internships during breaks. Every semester is an opportunity to build confidence, experience, and direction.
They Don’t Know How to Talk About Their Experience
Even active, high-achieving students often struggle to articulate what they’ve done and why it matters. That’s a major barrier when it comes to resume writing, networking, or interviewing.
Why it matters: Employers seek clarity and confidence. Students who can’t communicate their story may get overlooked, even if they have strong potential.
What parents can do: Encourage your student to track their growth using tools like the GradLanding Experience Checklist, a reflection tool that helps students connect their experiences to in-demand skills like leadership, communication, and problem-solving.
Student tip: Start practicing now. If you can explain what you’ve done and how it connects to your goals, you’ll be ready when opportunity knocks.
They Don’t Understand How Hiring Really Works
A common belief among students is: “If I work hard and get good grades, a job will come to me.” Unfortunately, it’s rarely that simple.
Why it matters: According to NACE (National Association of Colleges and Employers), over 80% of jobs are landed through referrals and relationships…not just online applications.
What parents can do: Normalize professional conversations at home. Encourage your student to talk with professors, older peers, or alumni, not to ask for a job, but to learn how others navigated their careers.
Student tip: Start small. Reach out to one new person each month and ask about their career path. These conversations build insight, confidence, and connections.
A Strong College Start Builds Career Momentum
At The Bertram Group, we’ve guided students through every phase of academic and personal development and we know that college is a critical time to begin building real-world confidence.
Partnering with GradLanding allows us to expand that support into career readiness. Together, we help students launch with clarity, momentum, and real-world tools.
Want to Help Your Student Start Strong?
Contact The Bertram Group for more information about career readiness preparations.