“What do you want to be when you grow up?” This question is so often met with mixed emotions. So many clients share that they just don’t know what career options are available, what the work really looks like, or how they even go about entering a field.
Guided career exposure is a vital part of career exploration. A massive amount of information is available to kids and youth on career but navigating this information alone can be overwhelming. Parents and teachers are valuable guides in the career exploration process.
As parents and educators, we can demonstrate curiosity and support kids and youth in accessing resources that help them visualize a career future. What are easy ways for kids to get to know careers? How can we facilitate that as teachers, parents, or friends?
1. Share what you know
- Talk about your job title and educational background
- Share what your work looks like day-to-day
- Talk about what kind of interests might be aligned with that work
- Encourage your friends and family to share what they do for work too
2. Listen to others share their experience
- Check out Career Day with X92.9: https://www.x929.ca/category/career-day/
- Tune into Growin’ Up with your younger children: https://open.spotify.com/show/1RB5zcONkxcCJxZ0i5fOP9
- Budding scientist? Listen to Smologies with Alie Ward: https://www.alieward.com/smologies
3. Have a favourite subject? Find out what’s connected
- Look at Alis’ Why Study posters: https://alis.alberta.ca/tools-and-resources/outreach-material/
- Check out the University of Calgary Degree Profiles: https://libguides.ucalgary.ca/guides/CCPD/degree-profiles/
4. Play and storytelling
- Provide opportunities for kids and teens to imagine their future selves
- Consider what current interests might look like at work
- Create opportunities for kids and adolescents to meaningfully engage in careers through age-appropriate play, volunteerism, and job shadowing
Reach out to us today to learn how our career counselling services can help youth explore their interests, build confidence, and make informed choices about their future.
Please note: Our services are designed for individuals aged 16 and older Canada-wide.
Cahill, M., & Furey, E. (2017). The early years: Career development for young children. A guide for educators. CERIC.
