- Talk to your teen about what they want to do. Really make the effort to listen to what they say. Their ideas about their future may differ from yours, but it is important to remember that doing a job they love will make your child's adult life so much happier than that of a person who is stuck in a career they do not like.
- Encourage them to research the career paths of people in the public eye or people that they admire. You could both be surprised at the route that took them to their final career!
- Tell your kids about your own career journey and how you got to where you are. They could also talk to other family members, friends, neighbours and even your colleagues and associates to find out about the different paths people take.
- Suggest that your teen talks with their career advisor and teachers at school to find out what other students have done. Teachers and career advisors can also advise your teen on resources and opportunities for finding out about careers.
- If your teen is interested in a specific field, help them find potential events/talks that they could attend to find out more.
- Visit career fairs with your teenager.
- If you can, take your teen to work with you one day, or see if another family member or friend would be prepared to do so. This provides valuable insight into the daily grind!
- Talk to your teen's school about work experience opportunities. The opportunity to have a go and experience a typical day in the workplace will give them a taste of what it's like to work in a particular field.
- Lastly, encourage and coach your young one to ‘have a go’. Remind them that people have to start somewhere when launching their careers, even if it means making a few changes along the track.
Opening your teenager's eyes to the possibilities that are out there helps them to choose the right path for them. The earlier they start doing this, the better!