Don’t Let Your College Student Leave Campus Empty-Handed

by | Apr 14, 2026

College networking

Key Points

  1. Get Professor Reference
  2. Go to Career Services one more time
  3. Update Resume and LinkedIn

Is your college student about to graduate without a job… and you’re not sure what to do?

There are only 4–6 weeks left until graduation. And if you’re feeling a mix of pride, excitement… and a little bit of worry, you are not alone. I see it every day with the families we work with.

And I feel it myself.

I have a son who will be graduating with the Class of 2026, so I understand this from both sides, as a career coach and as a parent.

You want to believe everything will fall into place. That the degree, the internships, the hard work… will lead to a job. But for many families, this is the moment where reality starts to feel different than what was promised.

Here are 3 things to encourage your student to do before they leave campus:

1. Get a Professor Reference Before Graduation

Right now, your student is surrounded by people who know them. Professors who have seen their work, effort, and growth. Once they graduate, that access fades quickly.

And when they need a reference later, they’re left trying to reconnect with someone who may barely remember them.

We see this happen all the time. This is a simple step that can make a big difference. Tell your student to

  • Reach out to a favorite professor and ask for a short meeting
  • Share what class learnings were most valuable
  • Ask their advice on the job/internship search
  • Request permission to use them as a reference
  • Stay connected on LinkedIn

Simple steps that go a long way.

2. Go Back to Career Services One More Time

Many parents tell me, “My student already went to career services.”  I understand.

But one visit is not enough. Most students don’t know what to ask for, and they don’t realize they may lose access after graduation. This is their last opportunity to use it strategically.

Encourage them to go back to Career Services and ask:

  • Who is still hiring right now?
  • How can I access the alumni database or see which alumni work at specific employers?
  • Are there any other people or resources I should speak with before the semester ends?

Because the truth is, jobs come from people, not just applications.

3. Update The Resume and LinkedIn While It’s Fresh

I know this sounds basic. But most students wait. And when they do, they forget the details that actually matter.

Right now, everything is still clear. Encourage your student to capture:

  • What jobs, clubs, or volunteer opportunities did they work on with metrics?
  • What classes/projects did they contribute to?
  • What are a few key learnings?

This is the moment to capture it. And this does not have to be just from work experiences. Capturing group work, projects, clubs, and campus volunteering all count.

At the same time, I want to be clear about something I see every day:

Fixing a resume alone will not get them a job. But having a strong, accurate resume with a complete LinkedIn profile is an important foundation.

It helps them communicate their value when opportunities come through people, which is how most hiring actually happens.

What Happens If They Don’t Do This

This is the part that parents understand, even if they don’t say it out loud. If your student leaves campus without taking these steps:

And that’s when the stress builds at home… for you and for them.

I’ve seen incredibly capable students get stuck here. Not because they aren’t smart or motivated, but because no one showed them how this process really works.

This Is Exactly What We’re Covering on April 22

If you’re reading this and thinking:

“I’m not sure my student is doing what they need to do…”
“I don’t know how to guide them…”
“I can feel time running out…”

I want you to join me.

On April 22, I’m hosting a live webinar for parents, students, and grads where I will walk you through:

  • What is actually happening in the job market right now
  • Why so many grads are struggling even when they’ve “done everything right.”
  • What employers are really looking for
  • What your student should be doing in these final weeks
  • How you can support them without damaging your relationship

Because I know how hard this is as a parent.

You want to help.
You don’t want to push too hard.
And you don’t want to see them struggle.

There is a way to navigate this. Register for the Live Office Hours on 4/22. 

See you there!