Western Michigan University Parent and Family Guide
Jobs/Internships
Many WMU students work to supplement the cost of tuition and living expenses. We encourage students to work on campus because campus employers understand the challenges of balancing academics and employment. We recommend that full-time students (taking 12-16 credit hours) work no more than 15-20 hours per week so they have sufficient time to devote to their studies.
Sometimes deciding on a major or minor or even the entire career development process can be exciting, frustrating, and life-changing; sometimes all at once. We encourage you to support your student and participate in the process.
Encourage your student to visit Career & Student Employment Services for these services
- Register for BroncoJOBS, an online resource for campus jobs, internships and career-related events
- On line career and academic planning assessment tools
- Occupational information
- Resume workshops and events such as Practice Interview Day and career fairs
- Individual career advising with professional advisors
Be a career mentor
- Share your career stories (good and bad) to help your student see the career path is not straight and unique to each person
- Tell your student what you see as his or her strengths, accomplishments and gifts
- Learn the majors at WMU and the career paths available
- Take your student to work with you for a day
- Teach the value of networking; point out the existing network of family, friends and others who may provide career insights; summer jobs or internships
Partner with the WMU community
- Participate in campus activities and visit when possible
- Use the parent/family resources available at WMU
- Meet faculty, staff, advisors, and academic deans
- Offer jobs - summer jobs, internships, co-op and entry level positions for current students and graduates
Visit Career and Student Employment, stop in Ellsworth Hall, or call (269) 387-2745.
