The key to any great idea is what you can do right now to set it in motion. When discussing reforms in our education system, there are many great long-term plans on the table, with clear steps to achieving those goals. Parents and educators must realize there are lots of things we can do now to support our children, while the system is going through changes.
There are loads of books about parenting- parenting newborns, parenting toddlers, parenting children with special needs. What about parenting young adults? We know your job isn't done when your children reach college so what can you do in the time just prior to dropping them off at the university of their choice?
This series of blogs has explored the need to support children as they find a path to a career they love. This blog will give parents and educators some tips to facilitate that process, as fostering the development of a young adult who finds joy and fulfillment in their lives and their work is the ultimate goal for all of us.
Parents
Do you know a skilled craftsman? A doctor with great bedside manner? A creative writer? You surely have friends and families engaged in careers your child may have interest in. Invite these people for dinner so you and your child can "pick their brain." Give that person a heads-up that you want to ask them about their expertise to make sure they are comfortable with being in the spotlight. Most people are happy to talk about their work and share the story of their journey.
Have you participated in "Take Our Daughters/Sons to Work Day?" Have you also used it as a day to hang out with your child and take him out to lunch? Though a great opportunity for family bonding, the original purpose of the day was to expose children to career options and show them that hard work, education, and experience can bring them to a job they love. If your department or role isn't your child's cup of tea, arrange for him to spend time with a co-worker. Help your child draft a list of questions he can ask during his day. Make the most of this time- it's not just a day off from school.
Teachers
Your school may not have a work experience program that sends students out to learn about careers but that doesn't mean you can't bring the experience to them. Guest speakers are a free and easy way to initiate a discussion on careers in the classroom. Be creative in your selections and the topics you discuss. Do you have a Vietnam veteran coming to your History class to talk about the war? Ask what he does for work now and how being a soldier prepared him for his career. Do you have a curator of a museum coming to talk about Art History? Ask what jobs she held before this one that led to her current role.
If the question "When will I ever have to know this?" makes you cringe, you likely teach students between the ages of 13 and 18. I challenge you, teachers, to answer the question. Show them how these skills, facts, and knowledge will be utilized in real-world applications and in careers. Show these young skeptics that algebra, grammar, art history, chemistry, and geography all have a purpose. An interest in athletics and physical education could lead to a career as a personal trainer, physical therapist, or sports medicine. A love of literature could result in a job as an author, a school library media specialist, or screenwriter. The possibilities are endless.
The most important message parents and educators can send young adults is that establishing connections in your field will undoubtedly help your career. This does not mean you can skate by on connections alone- in fact, it's just the opposite. Tell students that if they are lucky enough to have a work experience program at school or to land an internship, make the most of it. Encourage your children to talk to everyone at their job, ask questions, and pay attention. The more people you know and the better they know you, the more doors open. We have all heard about a job opening through a friend, former colleague, or acquaintance who said "I think this job sounds right for you." By making yourself, your work ethic, and your curiosity known, you have created an image of reliability that is appealing to any employer, regardless of the field. Encouraging children to be active participants in the search for the right career enables them to make educated decisions and creates possibilities for the future.
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