5 Ways to Help Your Child Choose a Career
When it is time for your child to choose a college or career, they may need a little guidance. Start by offering them your wisdom about the workforce and then share a few of your job experiences. When you spend time with them to discuss their dreams and how to get there, you will help them to make the right choice for their personality and goals. Whether your student sees themselves with a stethoscope in hand as a doctor or surgeon or has the entrepreneurial drive and ingenuity to lead their own company, the following tips will help you to support them and provide as many resources as possible.
Identify Their Strengths
Avoid putting too much emphasis on one job or title, which can over-romanticize a certain career choice or steer your child away from their true purpose. According to human resources and workforce experts, choosing the right career begins first and foremost with an honest self-assessment. It also includes an evaluation of personal skills and values. Focus on your child’s strengths: Are they a master in math class or adept at giving advice? Perhaps they are naturally artistic or enjoy working with people.
Once you have brainstormed about their interests, talents and innate skills, you may want to dive more into their personality type. The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is an example of a well-established personality test that can help you and your child learn more about what they are good at. According to the MBTI, there are 16 different personality types. Whether your child is introverted/extroverted, sensing/intuition, thinking/feeling or judging/perceiving, they can use this information to find a list of jobs and careers that tend to match their personality and work style.
Have a Chat
After completing the analytical side of the process, it is time to have a candid conversation with your child. Ask if their personality type resonates with them, if some of the careers on their personality type list sound interesting or if they find another job or field of study more suitable to their goals. At this point, you can also discuss potential colleges, universities or trade schools. Brainstorm on subjects like scholarships, financing and location.
Educate them and offer advice if asked. However, avoid applying pressure or forcing a decision, especially in a short amount of time. Stress surrounding their career choice may make it more difficult to come to an answer. Let them know you will circle back with them to see if they need advice or have any questions.
Provide Them with Career Resources
If your child is interested in a career with a complex path, such as attending medical school, going to law school or joining the military, help them gather as many resources as possible. Spend some time researching online for top universities in their field, what it takes to pass graduate exams or what kind of physical and academic requirements are necessary to join the armed forces. The more they know upfront about what to expect from the application or training process, the more successful they will be from the start.
No matter your child’s career choice, it may also benefit them to talk to a few people in their industry. Seek out career nights, open houses or mentoring sessions that he or she can be a part of. Connect them with friends and family who know about their field of study, reminding your student to thank them for their efforts and help. You may also encourage them to build relationships with professionals in your community by volunteering or completing an apprenticeship.
Visit a Job Site
One of the best ways to decide if a career is right for you is to watch what it is like to do the work. If possible, have your child visit the job site of a few of their ideal career choices. Let them observe the office or environment, how the professionals interact with each other and the clients they serve. Instead of imagining an idealized situation, they will be able to visualize themselves in the role.
Always seek permission before touring any site or facility. Many workplaces are happy to give free tours or show someone around during their slower hours. You may even be able to find virtual tours, videos or documentaries about certain careers, companies or jobs online. No matter how you find more information about different positions, the important part is that you are uncovering practical experience about being in the role.
Let Them Explore
Every child has their own timeline. Encourage your child to find the job that is right for them, but do not push too hard. You will only discourage them from enlisting you as a support and resource. Instead, allow them to explore the workforce and change careers if necessary. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), millions of people change jobs annually. Focus on fostering a sense of personal responsibility and developing self-efficacy, which will help to motivate them to become successful and self-sufficient.
If your son or daughter is having difficulty finding a career over the long-term, suggest a career coach. An expert in resume building and career planning may be the authoritative figure your child needs to believe in their strengths and pursue a job that gives them a sense of accomplishment and personal meaning. For some kids, working with an outside source who is not mom or dad can help them to come to a decision.
Supporting Your Child in a Medical Career
For those parents who have students interested in a medical career, your child will require a lot of academic attention and emotional support. Even the most responsible and intelligent medical school student will have to study harder and spend more time on their coursework than ever before. Follow each of the tips above and then make sure you begin to understand what it takes to become a doctor.
Medical students will need to spend four years in an academic program and pass several exams to graduate. They will also need to devote additional time to a residency program to learn a specialty. While it is not fast or easy to become a fully-credentialed physician, a combination of patience, love and encouragement can help your child feel supported and understood. Buy them stylish yet affordable scrubs to wear to labs and internships. If they are going to school far away, send them care packages of their favorite comfort items and healthy snacks. Remind them you love them and are proud of them, no matter what.
To be the best cheerleader possible, you may need support, too. Join the parent group at your child’s medical school or find an online support group for moms and dads of med school students. Take care of your mind and body and remind your child to do the same. Finally, give your student some space as they navigate the process. Children who want to be doctors also want to impress their parents and succeed in their academic endeavors. Be proud of yourself for guiding your child through their decision-making. The effort that you are putting into their dreams and goals will help them to achieve for a lifetime.
