Talking to Your Teenager About their Career Options

When the time comes for your child to start choosing their own direction in terms of their academic subjects, it’s worth taking the time to chat to them about their career options. This can be quite a daunting experience, as there are so many options, but it’s certainly worth helping your child consider the possibilities. I have teamed up with a Sixth Form College in Hampshire to offer you some guidance. 

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Generally, it’s a good idea to get your child thinking about their future. Ask them to imagine their lives in five or ten years; what do they see themselves doing every day and what will make them happy? Ask your child if they have any preferences in terms of what type of job they would like to do. Share some examples of jobs that family members and friends do and what those jobs entail and ask them if that sounds interesting to them. You could even point out people in the community, like a police officer or a nurse, and explore these as potential options. Listen to what they have to say and be open to their ideas; their aspirations should be based on what interests them and what they’re good at, as opposed to something you want them to do. 

Point out your child’s strengths and what they enjoy doing outside of school and try and link that to possible career options. Explain what apprenticeships are and what’s involved in attending university, so that they understand the different options available to them after their A levels. 

If your child has shown an interest in a certain career route, encourage them to do some research. What qualifications are required to get a job in this field? Will they need to go to university? Do they know anyone that might be able to help them get a foot in the door? This research process should help your child determine whether or not it’s a realistic route for them. For example, if they need a degree in chemistry and they despise chemistry, then it’s probably not a good option.