Asking for Advice: How Your Student Benefits from Academic Advising

As students make course choices about spring semester, advisors can provide guidance about a multitude of experiences that can affect students’ academic career especially as upperclassmen. If students have questions or concerns about the many paths branching out in front of them, encourage them to visit advisors to discuss a variety of issues:

Internships—Advisors can inform students of expectations for internships within their majors, requirements, procedures, which types of internships are available, and which might best fit their particular skill set.

Study Abroad—Advisors can guide students toward discovering how study abroad experiences would be beneficial for their academic careers, what options are available, and how to navigate course selection.

Graduate School—Advisors can help students research post-graduate plans, and assist students in planning their next steps.

Jobs—If your student is employed outside the university, his or her advisor can counsel the student about balancing academic responsibilities with job-related obligations. In addition, advisors can help your student formulate strategies for moving into his or her professional field.

Skills—Each student has a unique skill set; the advantage of having a personal advisor is that the advisor has insight into what courses, activities, jobs, and experiences might best highlight or appeal to each student’s strengths. Students should be aware of strengths and weaknesses, and be willing to openly discuss them with advisors so advisors can set them up for success.

Other Concerns-Advisors are here to help. Student should feel comfortable discussing with them any other issues which might affect academic plans, goals, and performance.

For course requirements for all majors please see the Majors link on the www.bellarmine.edu main web page.