Inside the College Recruiting Experience: What Every Parent Should Know
College recruiting doesn’t look like it used to. For today’s business students, it starts early, moves fast, and can feel overwhelming—even for the most capable and motivated students.
As a parent, one of the most powerful ways to support your student is to understand what they’re navigating. Here’s what to know:
1. The Pressure Starts Early
Many students begin thinking about internships as early as their first year. In fields like accounting, finance, and consulting, recruiting starts as early as the summer after freshman year, with offers extended by fall sophomore year.
Students are often trying to:
Choose a major that aligns with their goals
Build a resume with little experience
Navigate career fairs and info sessions
Keep up with academics
From the outside, it may seem like business as usual. But for students, the pressure is real—and it builds quickly.
2. Every Step Feels High-Stakes
Internships are often the gateway to full-time offers. Students hear: “You need experience to get experience,” which creates a sense of urgency—and anxiety.
The process typically includes:
Employer events and networking
Dozens of applications
Online assessments and video interviews
Multiple interview rounds
And all of this happens on top of classes, clubs, and part-time jobs.
3. The Playing Field Isn’t Always Level
Some students start the process with a head start—professional mentors, family connections, or access to strong on-campus recruiting. Others may not know where to begin, and that gap can feel discouraging.
4. They’re Making Big Decisions Without Enough Information
Early recruiting asks students to pick a path before they’ve had a chance to explore. Many feel unsure about their interests, worried about making the “wrong” choice, or afraid to ask questions.
This is where structured reflection and support can help—career clarity doesn’t come all at once, and that’s okay.
5. It Can Feel Like They’re Doing It Alone
Even at schools with strong career services, students may struggle to know:
When to apply
How to network
What a strong resume or interview looks like
Many students keep their stress under the radar, making it hard for parents to spot when they need help.
6. Structured Support Makes a Difference
That’s where we come in. At LaunchPoint Talent, we offer:
Personalized coaching tailored to your student’s goals
Resume, LinkedIn, and networking guidance
Interview prep and mock interviews
A strategic plan for internship and job searches
We help students go from overwhelmed to empowered—while giving parents peace of mind.
Final Thought
The college recruiting landscape has changed—and it’s a lot for students to manage. With insight and encouragement from you (and the right support when needed), they don’t have to go it alone.
When they’re ready, we’re here to guide the way.
