Raising Independent Decision-Makers: Preparing Your Child for Their Career and Calling With Jeff Reep

66% of students change their majors.

40% of graduates wish they had chosen their majors differently.

Let's face it, college decision-making is hard!

Navigating your child's path toward their future career and calling is a significant aspect of parenting. The guidance you provide your student could make all the difference.

As a homeschooling parent, you know your child better than anyone! The "Teach Them Diligently" podcast featuring Jeff Reep from Cedarville University offers crucial guidance for parents like you. Jeff, an experienced homeschooling dad and director of Cedarville’s Career Services, shares actionable tips drawn from his extensive experience in working with students.

How can you help your children discover their calling? Watch the video below or read on for Jeff Reep’s practical tips.

• Start early with open conversations about their strengths and interests. 
• Encourage them to pray about their future and seek godly counsel by asking for advice. 
• Facilitate exploration through internships, shadowing, and even summer jobs to gain real-world exposure.  
• Help them consider the end in mind by researching requirements for desired fields. 
• Remember that parents are guides, not directors, empowering children to prayerfully make their own informed decisions. Give them the freedom to explore their own options and even make mistakes. 
• Emphasize the importance of soft skills like communication for career success. 
• When choosing a university, inquire about the value and integration of Career Services within the curriculum. Look for dedicated staff, employer recruitment, and post-graduation support. 
• Help them see the thread of God’s plan in their lives and in the lives of others. Remind them that the Lord often works in ways we cannot see. If we abide in Him, we can trust that He will direct our paths for His glory. 

Jeff highlights Cedarville University as an example that offers a wide array of excellent degree options and that values Career Services, integrating it into the curriculum, offering resources to students and alumni like career assessments and mock interviews, and tracking impressive career outcomes. For our 2024 class, we are celebrating a 98.1% job and grad school placement rate!

Ultimately, intentional parenting includes actively helping your children identify their gifts and make informed decisions about their future with a focus on God's leading.

For more information, visit cedarville.edu.