The competitive world we live and operate in isn’t slowing
down. Companies are looking for talent and younger ages creating pressure for
children to know what they want to do earlier and earlier. Helping
children find the best career is one of the most important things parents,
teachers and other people who play a role in their lives can do. A retrospective study of adults aged 40-55
showed that 23% of them had made decisions regarding career choices, while they
were still children. (Trice & McLellan, 1994)
This may be a relatively small number, since children do develop skills and interests at an early age. However, the trend is changing and the next set of data to emerge will show a significant increase. So how do parents help their kids? Making the most of a child’s abilities can be difficult. Parents and educators can do things that help to impact a child’s success by focusing on three key factors.
1. Take Note Of Skills And Interests
Most children begin to display particular skills and interests while they are still very young. Some may display spatial intelligence, while others may be more skilled at reading or speaking. Others pick up computer skills right away, and some show amazing musical talent. Work the child and try to gauge whether the interest is a passing phase or a deeper rooted talent that could be the basis for a longer term career interests.
2. Help Children Understand Careers Related To Their Abilities
Young children and even older pre-teens have a tendency to focus on careers that are highly visible, or careers that are related to the jobs that family members have. Parents and educators need to find information related to the various careers that utilize the special skills that young people display.
Parents, teachers and others who help make the decisions that impact children’s future’s can make a world of difference by providing plenty of information about the jobs that are available in a child’s area of interest, especially jobs that receive less publicity. Informational interviews with the parent network at school is a great way to touch a broad range of careers and making learning about them fun. Career day is often used as a way to this.
3. Provide Educational Opportunities To Emphasize Talent
According to the National Center For Education Statistics, enrollment in public schools increased by 26% - from 39.4 million to 49.8 million from 1985-2008. High student to teacher ratios increase the need for parents and others to be involved in providing education and other opportunities that will help children to develop their skills properly and find satisfying careers.
The United States Department of Education, along with individual states, has set up standards for learning. These basic standards of learning include reading comprehension, standardized mathematical ability tests, and other educational standards. While a complete and well rounded education is important for social development and educational achievement, tailoring a plan that makes the most of a child’s special abilities is crucial to his or her future success. Be sure to focus on the individual, rather than just meeting set standards.
By paying attention to children as individuals and ensuring that they are afforded the opportunity to learn about the careers that make the most of the skills and talents that make them who they are, parents and educators can take an active role in ensuring that every child finds the right career.
When people do what they are best at, everyone benefits. Using goal-oriented strategies is the most effective way to help children find the career that is best for them.
