Advice to Parents

Career Counseling 101

Also take an active interest in your graduate's job search. When it comes to a career, young adults often leave college with high hopes and dreams, but they may not have a realistic grasp of how to get or keep a job. What can you do to help grads who are having trouble gaining employment?

1. Regularly remind them how important it is to keep looking for a job.
2. Co-sign on a personal loan to tide them over until they find work.
3. Acknowledge their job search efforts -- even if they're imperfect.

"C" is correct. Getting a career-track job is tough. It's easy to get discouraged, so be sure to give emotional support. Avoid nagging or coddling. Help your grad flesh out an organized job search strategy instead: Offer to brainstorm resources, review resumes, and/or prepare for job interviews.