F&M Stories
Holding Productive and Career-Focused Conversations
April always reminds me that prompting students to think about what career they want can feel to some of them the way reminders to file our taxes feel to us. One of the distinctions of F&M’s brand of career and professional development is that we counter the dread and anxiety that usually surrounds this topic by empowering students to embrace exploration as a vital part of discerning what career(s) call to them. Don’t just ask your Diplomat, “What are you planning to do?” Here are some suggested questions you might use to inspire a more productive and clarifying career-focused conversation.
What are you curious about?
We are big believers that the desire to seek knowledge is even more valuable than the knowledge itself. When one doesn’t know where to go next, curiosity is an exquisite compass.
Where are you finding flow?
Flow is the state you enter into when you lose track of time and become totally absorbed in what you are doing. The places where you find flow are good indicators of subjects or activities you may want to continue to incorporate into your life.
What’s a strength of yours that people often point out and recognize?
It can be hard for students to see their unique talents and attributes, so encourage them to reflect on the feedback they are receiving from those around them who recognize what they naturally do better than others.
What problem would you be excited to work on and solve?
Whether your child gets excited about curing an infectious disease or translating ancient Roman lyrical poetry, starting with the problem they like is sometimes easier than starting with the job they want, and it’s usually a telling sign of what they really feel drawn to.
What’s important to you?
Values can easily be left out of the conversation about careers and callings. At The Center for Career & Professional Development, we try to really dig these out of students because they are vital components of the discernment process.
A great aspect of these conversations is they help students understand how expansive and elastic the whole notion of “planning your future” really is. These conversations help illuminate the fact that career development is not a chore, and it can be the adventure of a lifetime.
F&M’s Center for Career and Professional Development cultivates professional development
experiences that embolden students to design and navigate fulfilling careers with
courage and curiosity. Center for Career and Professional Development
Related Articles
March 6, 2026
New Student Mural Celebrates Historic Women
The Alice Drum Women’s Center has served as a welcoming space to students since 1992, but something was missing. A new mural by Hope Clarke ’27 draws attention to the Center and legacies of pioneering women.
March 5, 2026
F&M Poll: Voters Overwhelmingly Support Democratic Principles
Voters don't approve of the tactics of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents (ICE) and oppose nationalizing the elections, according to the latest Franklin & Marshall College Poll.
March 4, 2026
A Peek Behind the Stacks: A Student’s Role in the College Library
Learning by doing is a hallmark of the Diplomat experience. For Abby Jones ’28, this philosophy comes to life at the College Library in a role that blends her love of reading, writing, and stories. “I’ve always loved libraries, and was excited to step into a job where I’d get to work with a lot of the books in a more hands-on way,” she said.