When should my son or daughter start to think about their future career? What university is the best? What subjects should they undertake? What can I encourage them to do to help them? These are all legitimate questions but we really need to start at the beginning.
Individuals are forming their career paths from the moment of conception. We are the result of genetics to start with, and what happens after birth becomes the nurturing influence. Nature and nurture work together in the creation of an individual. Our forebears’ interests and talents are carried genetically and this is an area that many parents find difficult to understand. Why is Penny so musical and creative when we are mathematical and analytical? Why would Jack want to be a forensic scientist- we have been working this farm for generations and want him to follow? This is where we can trace these traits to see them visible in previous generations.
Nature also can play a part in a career path. I have found many students who have had a particular incident occur early in their childhood that subsequently influenced their choice. Many who have experienced an emotional trauma will choose psychology. Why do they do this? Studies indicate that, depending on the type of trauma and how they suffered, it is either to help others who have been in a similar situation or, alternatively, to help them deal with their own reactions and situation. Mind you, not all psychologists are in the profession for that reason. Others who have admired a teacher, doctor, nurse etc will relate to that profession and wish to mirror that person.
No matter what career an individual chooses, parents are best to support them and discuss with them openly all the choices and not push them down a particular path based on their own passions and needs. An individual has to live with their choices and when they make that choice, be prepared to live with the consequences of that decision.
If the choice has been the parent’s/ caregiver’s forced decision and is not what the individual really wants, the parent/ caregiver will end up being blamed, avenues of communication will be hindered and the individual will feel insecure in further decision making. At this point, assistance from a professional is recommended to aid all parties on a productive path.
Actually, prevention is better than cure, and the objective professional should be used at the start if conflict is seen between a parent’s/ caregiver’s ideas and the individual’s dreams. Strengths and passion should be the driving force behind a career choice as this will always motivate the individual to succeed and attain their ultimate goal of success.
When individuals are unsure of a career path the use of vocational assessment tools is recommended. There are a variety of assessments available but I do recommend ones that look at both the individual’s personality and their interests. This is advisable, especially with teenage to young adults as their life experiences are limited and they require a more varied line of questions to glean a rounded result. Any life experience that can be given to a growing child will open their eyes to a greater variety of opportunities and career paths.
Remember there are still occupations that have not been created yet - when was the first astronaut, computer operator, social network inventor? Your child may be that next first so don’t curb their enthusiasm and creativity - allow it grow and encourage them to step out square within the “safety net” of home - that is where originality flourishes. |
