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Have you discussed careers with your children? It is surprising the number of our students who cannot even describe what kind of jobs their parents hold. We all know that choosing a career that we enjoy is crucial to future success and happiness. Parents need to help their children make these important life decisions.
What can parents do? Talk to your youngsters about what you do at your workplace and what others do who work with you. Parents can introduce their friends to their children by their occupation or business. Parents can talk frequently to children about the advantages and disadvantages of various careers. Students need your knowledge and experience to help them select a career path that is consistent with the student’s interests and ambitions. If your own knowledge about careers is limited, make sure that your children visit their school counselor and ask for career information. The internet provides numerous opportunities for research and information about all careers. Other avenues for career exploration are available in your child’s high school schedule through a selection of elective courses.
Most jobs today require technical skills, and 70% of all new jobs created in the next decade will require some form of technical training. Technical training, especially at the postsecondary level, is expensive; therefore, students should do their career exploration while still in high school before the tuition bills make the mail carrier an unfriendly visitor.
One option parents should consider is for their child to take a Career and Technical Education (CTE) class during their junior or senior year in high school. CTE classes range from automotive mechanics to Law Enforcement to Health Occupations and are excellent opportunities for a student to experience a possible career while they are still in high school. Instructors who have extensive career experience teach these classes, and they design the curriculum to prepare students for entry level employment and future study. Even if the student is destined for a university degree, CTE classes can help students select a major and prepare the student for part-time employment that is above the minimum wage while working one’s way through college.
Once a child gets to college it becomes very expensive to select courses that do not benefit one’s future career. Early experiences can help prevent costly course selection errors later. If your child is undecided about a career path during his or her latter years of high school, have your student speak with your school’s guidance counselor. CTE programs may help him or her start a career that will be rewarding for many years to come. Our CTE programs can be researched at www.pccte.org. Check out the Career Center on Facebook!
Jon Groth, Area Director Career and Technical Education
Principal, Porter County Career and Tech Center
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