The following are some proactive recommendations to assist you during your child’s career planning.

Determine their strengths.

 Make a list of the things your child enjoys doing. Also, try to help them participate in self-discovery activities designed to help identify strengths and areas of opportunity. Self-assessment tests or aptitude tests are a great place to start.

Evaluate their academic performance.

Report cards and school transcripts are great indicators of a student’s strengths. Look for subjects your child is particularly good in and talk to their teachers and counselors, as they can help you evaluate their strengths and challenges.

Encourage extra curricular activities.

Hobbies and extra curricular activities are a great way to stimulate a child’s curiosity and drive. Sometimes, learning comes easier within a fun and informal setting. Find out which extra curricular activities your child enjoys most and why.

Take them to work.

Exposing children to a real work environment can be very beneficial in their career path search. Take your child to your workplace and show them what your everyday duties consist of. Interacting with professionals and being immersed in their everyday activities can help a young student decide if that’s the kind of work environment they aspire to or not.

Explore new subjects and/or careers.

Encourage your child to watch documentaries, attend seminars or take an introductory class on subjects they are interested in. If their high school offers vocational classes in areas of interest, encourage them to enroll and get hands-on experience. Our student ambassadors can also help find the resources you need to help your child through their search.

Encourage early advisement.

Have your child discuss career options with school counselors or an advisor at the college they are considering attending. Mentors are also a great source of guidance and inspiration. Ask your child’s school for mentoring opportunities or check our mentorship section.

Ask the hard questions:

Help your child make well-informed career decisions by helping them answer the following questions:

• What will I do in a typical workday?
• What preparation/education do I need?
• Where can I get training for this career?
• Will there be jobs available in the future, when I complete my training?
• How much does this job pay?
• What knowledge and skills are used in this work?
• Are these knowledge and skill areas in which I am already strong, or will I need additional development? How do I get that development?
• What are the opportunities for advancement in this career?
• Is the work environment (indoors/outdoors, office/factory, groups/alone) one in which I work best?
• Does the work require physical activity, and am I willing and able to perform at the level required?

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Help your child to make career decisions