Parents’ guide to career planning and opportunities for teens

As your child dives into their final year of high school, you might be feeling a cocktail of emotions: awe at how quickly they’ve grown up, sadness at this chapter ending and excitement for what’s next.  

This moment is the season finale of their high school journey, packed with potential and plot twists. Your teen will be looking to you as their guide to navigate the path to their dream career.  

Feeling a bit lost? Don’t worry – this guide is your trusty map for supporting your teen in career planning. It’s packed with practical advice, handy resources and actionable takeaways to steer you and your teen towards a bright and fulfilling future. So, buckle up and let’s embark on this career adventure together!  

Why career exploration is important for teens  

When it comes to career paths, it’s easy to default to the classic roles – doctor, engineer or journalist – but there’s a whole world of careers out there that might not pop up on the usual radar.  

For your teen, this is a golden opportunity to dive deep into their interests, passions and strengths to discover a career that truly resonates. As a parent or guardian, you can play a vital role in guiding them through this exploration. 

We all had to start somewhere, so be ready for some real talk. Start by sparking conversations about different education and career options. Encourage your teen to dream big and explore all available pathways (as sometimes the path they go down is like the golden brick road – full of obstacles and challenges, but with plenty of unique opportunities and friends to be made along the way). 

For example, if your child is a tech aficionado who has a knack for programming (hello ethical Mr. Robot), let them know about the booming field of cybersecurity. This field isn’t just about being a digital detective; it can open the doors to roles like ethical hacking, software development and threat analysis.  

You can also offer support by sharing valuable insights about current employment trends, such as how there’s more choice for graduates in today’s job market.  

By discussing these topics, you can help your teen set realistic goals and confidently make informed decisions. It’s all about helping them find their footing in this ever-evolving career landscape.  

What should parents tell their kids about choosing a career?  

Before diving into the ‘career talk’ with your teen, take a trip down memory lane. Reflect on the highs, the lows and the hilarious mishaps. This isn’t just about nostalgia; it’s about showing your teen that career paths can be as twisty as an M. Night Shyamalan movie. 

If they think your advice is outdated, remind them that while the 1900s might seem ancient, it’s not quite the prehistoric era of The Land Before Time. While the job landscape might be changing, your experiences can still offer valuable wisdom and guidance. 

It can be scary to commit to a career path without trying it on for size first, so discuss real-world options like internships, volunteering or part-time work opportunities. These experiences can help confirm if that field is right for them before they make a long-term commitment, such as applying for a course.  

For example, if your teen is eyeing a career in cybersecurity, encourage them to dip their toes into the digital world with some hands-on experience. They could shadow a tech wizard at a local IT firm or dive into a cybersecurity workshop.  

They’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at the daily grind of cybersecurity roles and learn that it may not be quite as glamorous as a Christopher Nolan thriller. On top of that, they’ll get to rub elbows with industry pros and pick up some resume-worthy skills.  

This is also a great time to chat about the importance of aligning their career goals with ethical values. Think of it like a Dungeons & Dragons alignment chart and ask them what their personal alignment is – whether they lean more towards Lawful Good or Chaotic Neutral. Encourage them to think about how this fits in with their career ambitions.  

Once they’ve determined their moral code, discuss if they’d be comfortable bending it for a job opportunity. For example, a career in mining might challenge their environmental values, while roles in animal racing could conflict with their stance on animal welfare. Just like in D&D, making sure their career path aligns with their ethical values will help them avoid those dreaded alignment shifts. 

Parental influence on teen’s career choice: when to step back  

Knowing when to help and when to step back from influencing your teen’s career choice can be a delicate balancing act. If you’re unsure, there are some tell-tale signs that it might be time to let them take the lead. 

1. Their passion is palpable: If your teen is genuinely passionate about a particular field – whether it’s video game design or cybersecurity – it’s a strong indicate that they’ve found something that resonates with them.  

1. They’ve done their homework: When your teen has invested time in researching their chosen field, it shows they’re serious about their choice. This could look like taking courses, attending workshops or networking with professionals in the industry. 

1. They’ve addressed your concerns: If your teen has thoughtfully considered concerns such as job stability or educational requirements, it’s a sign that they’ve thought this through from all angles.  

By recognising these signs, you can confidently step back and let your teen take charge of their career journey.  

Disadvantages of parents choosing a career for their child    

When parents or guardians choose a career for their child without considering their interests, it’s like casting them in a role they didn’t audition for. They might look the part from the outside, but it’s not quite the right fit and their true talents won’t shine through. 

Accepting that your teen’s career aspirations may differ from your own is crucial. They could be drawn to a field you consider unrealistic, unconventional or risky, like video game design. It’s completely natural to have reservations but set your own feelings aside and focus on supporting them.  

Think of it this way: even Morpheus gave Neo the opportunity to decide for himself, despite knowing what he thought Neo should do. 

Parental pressure and involvement in career choices can put a serious damper on a teen’s creativity and growth. When the path you impose doesn’t align with their natural talents, it can lead to long-term dissatisfaction and a sense of unfulfillment. Over time, this mismatch might foster resentment and put a strain on your relationship. 

Instead of making the choice for them, offer practical support. Find ways to help them pursue their passion, like sending information on local game jams, suggesting online courses in game development, or connecting them with industry professionals. 

It’s all about striking a balance: offer suggestions and advice but allow them the freedom to explore and choose their own path. 

Where to seek career guidance for your teen  

Feeling lost? Don’t panic. There are plenty of resources available to guide you and your teen through this maze of career choices.  

Many schools offer career counselors, workshops, aptitude tests and career planning guides. If you need extra help, consider online resources or tapping into local career coaches who specialise in youth career development.  

You can also read up on how recruiters connect potential employees with job vacancies and keep an eye on job sites for networking and job shadowing opportunities that may interest your child. These may provide valuable insights and maybe even a few “aha” moments for your teen. 

Parents guide to career planning and opportunities for teens: key takeaways   

As we wrap up this guide, remember these key points for supporting your teen’s journey in career planning: 

• Encourage exploration: Help your teen dive into a variety of career paths that align with their interests and strengths by nurturing open dialogue and fostering their curiosity. 

• Share your journey: Be open about your own career experiences, including successes and failures, and share how the lessons you’ve learned have shaped your career choices.  

• Know when to step back: Recognise that your teen’s career aspirations might not always align with your own vision. Support their interests, even if they’re unconventional. 

• Utilise resources: Leverage all available resources, including school career counseling, professional networks, community events and more. These tools can provide guidance, networking opportunities and practical experiences.  

With these tips, you’ll help your teen navigate this exciting phase with confidence and maybe a few laughs along the way. Here’s to their bright future and your role as their ultimate career cheerleader.