Choosing a career for young folks is always an overwhelming and challenging experience for them. With the constant worry of exams and papers on the table, students gradually focus on the phase towards career development. They may come up with changes to their academic plans accordingly. In this crucial phase of life, parents have an important role to keep their children motivated and on the right track. Here we have compiled a few guidelines for helping children find the best career options.
1 Do not Influence them to Follow Your Footsteps
Every individual is unique with certain capabilities and interests. Urging your child to follow your footsteps may take them to the wrong direction they were never interested in. Instead, expose them to wide-ranging opportunities and activities. If there is a specific subject they are fond of, encourage them to explore more about it. When students discover their interests more deeply, they are likely to make an informed decision.
2 Career Counseling & Aptitude Tests
Encourage your child to visit a professional career counsellor and take aptitude tests. These assessments can be a strong foundation for decision-making. It is important to undertake these tests and carefully observe the pattern of results. If a student does not appear to line up with one or more strengths, you don’t have to ignore the option immediately. Rather, the career counselor will help your child understand how they can contribute to the specified field using their innate strengths. They guide them to choose among the given options based on multiple factors from interests and personality to income prospects. The end goal is to let them make a unique and valuable contribution.
3 Find them an Inspiring Role Model
If your child shows an interest in a specific career path, help them find inspiration. You can find a role model for your child in a specific field. Encourage your child to spend time with inspiring peers and challenge them to get out of their comfort zone. Having first-hand knowledge can give them deep insights and help them discover and grow their full potential.
4 Support Instead of Dominate
Consider yourself as the foundation of your child from where you can lift and support them towards pursuing a great career. Play your role in encouraging them, at the end of the day they will be the ones reaching out to different possibilities. There is a fine line between support and influence. Keep yourself in the supporting role instead of directing their every move. When it’s about choosing a career, it’s time for them to take the lead.
5 Introduce Career Practicalities
Discuss the achievements, trials, and errors of your job with the children from an early age. It is important to make them familiar with career lingo. They should have a better idea about job applications, interviews, salaries, resumes, etc. It’s a great learning experience helping them take steps one by one towards a successful career.
