Research shows that parents have more influence than anyone on their children's career choices. Parents can help students prepare for the future in a number of important ways: 

• Talk with middle and high school students about their future. Encourage students to think about possible majors during the junior and senior years of high school.
• Help students identify interests and talents and then relate those to possible career options. The College Foundation of North Carolina offers self-assessment tools: Choose the "Plan Your Future" tab, then click on "Planning for a Career."
• Explore specific careers with your student. Visit Wake Tech’s Career Coach for information on more than 800 careers and local data on wages, employment and associated education and training. Career Coach can also help students connect career interests and goals with the most appropriate college major.
• Help students arrange to talk or work with professionals in their areas of interest through job shadowing or volunteering, which could also enhance their resumes. Help them learn how to use social resources for career exploration and how to ask friends and family for help. 
• Help students set reasonable goals for their college-to-career journey. Encourage them to visit Wake Tech’s Career Services for additional assistance.