How to Help Your Child Choose a Career: Tips for Parents / ITech content

Contents:

• Should you dissuade your child from pursuing a profession they chose themselves?
• If your child doesn't know where they want to go to college, what should you do?
• The child doesn't want to go to college. How should parents react?
• What should they do if their child doesn't want to continue school after 9th grade?
• Can online courses be a full-fledged replacement for higher education?
• How does career guidance work?

What to become? A free career guidance course will help you decide on your choice of profession. This course is designed for those who are looking for their calling and want to understand which career paths best suit their interests and abilities. Participants will gain useful knowledge about various professions, as well as recommendations for developing the necessary skills. Take the course and take the first step toward a successful career.

The Career Self-Determination Course for Adults is designed for those who are ready for change and want to consciously choose a new career. The course program will help you identify your strengths, interests, and values, which will form the basis for choosing a suitable profession. The knowledge and skills gained will help you confidently move towards a new professional activity, laying the foundation for a successful career.

Making decisions that affect the future is a challenging task even for adults. However, facing such a choice at the age of 15-18 is even more challenging. During this period of life, young people are developing their identity and are trying to understand which directions will be most relevant for their future. Therefore, it is important to provide adolescents with the necessary resources and support so that they can consider their decisions and consciously approach the choices that will shape their future lives.

In this article, you will learn about the key aspects of the topic that interests you. We will cover the main points in detail and provide useful information to deepen your understanding of the issue. You will receive clear and practical recommendations that will help you better navigate this area. Read on to learn more.

• Should you dissuade your child if he or she has chosen a profession for himself or herself?
• What to do if he or she doesn’t know what to study?
• What to do if he or she doesn’t want to go to university at all?
• Should you persuade him or her to continue studying at school after completing the 9th grade?
• Can online courses become an alternative to higher education?

Should you dissuade your child from a profession he or she has chosen for himself or herself?

The choice of profession depends on various parameters, and it is important to understand whether the person has idealized this work. Sometimes, expectations about a profession can differ from reality, which can impact satisfaction and career success. To achieve harmony between expectations and reality, it is necessary to carefully analyze your motives and preferences. This will help avoid disappointment and choose a truly suitable profession.

If a child dreams of becoming a veterinarian because of their love of animals, it is important to explain that this profession is fraught with difficulties, and it is not always possible to save all the animals. It is recommended to study blogs together with veterinarians who share their experiences and talk about the challenges of the profession. It is important to understand that veterinarians encounter not only reasonable owners but also situations full of pain and suffering. This will help form a more realistic view of the profession and prepare the child for potential difficulties.

If your child wants to become a programmer only because of the high salary, it is important to discuss the disadvantages of this profession. The work of a programmer requires not only perseverance but also constant self-education. Moreover, a significant part of the job is related to communication. Many children believe that a career involves only sitting at a computer and writing code, but in reality, it involves active interaction with colleagues, discussing technical tasks, and finding compromises within a team.

It's important that teenagers avoid the "expectations vs. reality" effect. Parents should help them understand all aspects of their chosen profession, providing the necessary knowledge and support. However, they should avoid creating unnecessary anxiety. Difficulties exist in any profession, and excessive anxiety about the future can lead to frustration in a child. Support and understanding from parents will help teenagers approach their choice and prepare for a future career more consciously.

When choosing a profession, it's important to consider many factors rather than limiting yourself to a single criterion. For example, if a child declares that they want to become a designer because of their love of drawing, it's worth noting that this is not the only skill necessary for a successful career in this field. In particular, for UX/UI designers, analytical skills are often more important than artistic skills. Therefore, when choosing a career, it's important to consider a wide range of skills and interests. This will help a child make a more informed choice and prepare for their future career. Drawing skills can be useful in a variety of professions, such as architecture, decorating, and illustration. However, it's important to understand that a child's interest may lie not only in the process of drawing itself, but also in creating a creative atmosphere. Perhaps they would be interested in studying art history or art management. It's recommended to discuss with your teenager how they want to spend their time. Are they more suited to meticulous, sedentary work or active, hands-on activities? Do they prefer social interaction or want to minimize contact? Such questions will help you better understand his interests and direct them in the right direction.

Don't manipulate your child's feelings. Phrases like, "We've been paying for an English tutor for so many years, and now you want to become a musician instead of a linguist?" will only make him feel guilty for not living up to your expectations. It's important to realize that any knowledge is useful, and your investment in a tutor wasn't in vain. If you feel like your child's choice is illogical, remember that for him, it may be completely different. Support him and let him know that you're on his side, regardless of the situation. A child has the right to make mistakes, and it's better for him to try and understand that his choice was wrong than to later regret wasting years studying at university. By supporting him in his search, you help develop confidence and the ability to make decisions.

If a child doesn't know where he wants to go — what should he do?

It's important to avoid putting pressure on children. Many parents fall prey to gender stereotypes and often label their children as humanities or techies. This can limit their personal development and reduce their interest in exploring different areas. It's best to support children in their aspirations and interests, allowing them to independently determine their preferences and areas for growth.

Girls should consider philology, while those who enjoyed drawing as children might consider graphic arts. Boys interested in construction sets are advised to consider engineering. However, childhood hobbies and gender are not always reliable foundations for career choice. Over time, people develop, their interests transform, and maturation introduces new factors that influence career choices. It's important to consider not only past interests but also current interests, abilities, and market trends to make an informed career choice.

The distinction between techies and humanities students has no scientific basis. If a child successfully masters literature but struggles with algebra, this may be due not to innate abilities but, for example, to their relationship with the teacher. It's important to remember that educational outcomes are influenced by many factors, including the psychological climate in the classroom and the teacher's approach. This approach allows for a deeper understanding of the student's potential and identifies areas requiring support and development.

Deciding for a child and relying on stereotypes is not the best approach to choosing a career. Instead, it's worth conducting a joint exploration of opportunities. Parents often send their children to school based on outdated knowledge about professions and their own preferences. For example, they might send their child to medical school if they work in healthcare, or to law school if their city is experiencing a shortage of lawyers. This subjective approach can lead to the child receiving a specialty that is only in demand in smaller towns, which will negatively impact both earnings and professional satisfaction. It is important to consider current labor market trends and the child's interests to choose a truly promising career path.

Identify which professions are currently in demand. According to the World Economic Forum (WEF) 2023 report, there are five in-demand professions that will be in high demand in the future. These professions reflect current labor market trends and the needs of the economy. It's important to stay up-to-date with changes in the professions to stay competitive and adapt successfully to new conditions.

• Artificial intelligence specialists,
• Machine learning specialists,
• Sustainability specialists,
• Information security specialists,
• Business analysts.

Research specialized blogs to understand the essence of different professions. Read successful cases of professionals and reviews of work processes and career prospects in each field. This will help you gain a complete understanding of your chosen field and make an informed career choice.

It's important to have a backup plan in case you don't get into your desired universities. Having an alternative strategy will help reduce stress during the application process and communication with admissions committees. Consider contacting career counselors and exploring options for part-time work or additional courses. This will not only increase your chances of successful admission in the future but also expand your skills and competencies.

There are effective methods that can help simplify the process of choosing a career and applying to an educational institution. One of the most effective approaches is self-analysis, which includes assessing your interests, skills, and values. Understanding your strengths and preferences will help narrow the range of possible careers.

It is also important to research various careers, studying their requirements and prospects. This can be done through online resources, specialized career websites, and by communicating with professionals in your fields of interest. Participating in career expos and events will help you obtain up-to-date information and ask questions directly to employers.

Also, it is worth considering internships or volunteer programs that will provide practical experience and help you better understand whether your chosen career is right for you. Don't forget to consult with professional career counselors who can offer valuable advice and direction for further development.

Finally, a systematic approach to choosing a career and preparing for admission will help make this process much easier and more informed.

• Make a list of criteria that your future profession must meet. The first is whether the child likes it.
• Create a comfortable environment for choice so that the child knows: parents support any choice, believe in his strengths and will not stop loving if something does not work out.
• Watch films about finding yourself and study useful resources on the topic.

Career guidance specialist and career consultant, who is a member of the Association of Independent Career A consultant and head of innovation projects at Lerna, she offers professional services in career development and career choice. Her specialization includes analyzing strengths and weaknesses, helping to formulate career goals, and developing individual strategies for successful employment. Consulting with a professional with experience in this field can significantly increase your chances of success in the dynamic world of work. My favorite Soviet film from 1986 is "How to Become Happy." I recommend it for the whole family. This film interestingly explores the themes of happiness and family relationships, which makes it relevant today. It is suitable for viewers of all ages and can be an excellent opportunity to discuss important life values. We recommend checking out the Atlas of New Professions, prepared at Skolkovo. This resource will help expand your understanding of modern professions and trends in the labor market. Those interested in literature should read "Adaptability 2.0" by Agata Oreshkina. This book contains a wealth of information on personal growth, finding one's calling, and the expectations adults face.

Career assessments can be a useful tool in finding the right career path. Even simple assessments that focus on situational tasks can help you better understand your interests and aptitudes. If the available tests are not enough, it is worth paying attention to career guidance courses that offer a deeper dive into various professions and will help you make an informed choice.

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Career guidance methods: three alternatives to tests

Career guidance plays a key role in choosing a profession and building a career. While tests are a popular tool for identifying aptitudes and interests, there are several alternative methods that can be equally effective.

The first method is consulting with professionals. Talking to people working in the field of interest provides a realistic understanding of the profession, its requirements, and opportunities. This approach not only helps you learn about the specifics of the job but also determine whether it's right for you.

The second method is internships and volunteering. Practical experience allows you to better assess your skills and interests. Participating in internships or volunteer projects helps not only develop professional skills but also expand your network of contacts in the chosen field.

The third method is analyzing your hobbies and interests. Hobbies can often become the basis for a future career. A thoughtful approach to your interests allows you to discover hidden talents and determine which professions may be the most attractive and satisfying.

Using these alternative career guidance methods can significantly increase the likelihood of a successful career choice and help you build a career that matches your interests and abilities.

The child does not want to go to college. How should parents react?

Calm down. Educational strategies can be varied, and one of them is not to go to college immediately after graduating from high school. There are various alternative paths worth considering. For example, you can choose vocational training or courses that will help you gain the necessary skills and knowledge for a successful career. It is also worth paying attention to internship and volunteer programs, which can provide practical experience and help you better understand your interests and goals. Furthermore, independent study of in-demand fields through online courses and resources can provide an excellent foundation for a future profession. The main thing is to choose the path that matches your goals and preferences.

• Go to college;
• Take specialized courses;
• Get a job;
• Take a gap year - travel, work part-time, learn about the world and the labor market, and then make an informed career choice.

Many parents mistakenly believe that if their child did not enter university after the 11th grade, then they will not have a chance of higher education in the future. However, this opinion is misleading. In real life, there are numerous examples of people returning to education as adults when it becomes relevant for their career or personal development. This approach is often more effective: adults who recognize the need for higher education are more motivated and goal-oriented. They understand how the knowledge and skills acquired at university can impact their professional life and career advancement. Thus, it is important to remember that the path to education may not be linear, and everyone has the right to a second chance.

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The Internet and its impact on children: the opinion of psychologists

In the modern world, the Internet plays a significant role in the lives of children. Psychologists emphasize that using the Internet can have both a positive and negative impact on a child's development. On the one hand, access to information and educational resources helps expand horizons and develop skills. On the other hand, excessive time spent online can lead to mental health problems, social isolation, and decreased physical activity. Psychologists note the importance of monitoring the time children spend online and directing their attention to useful and educational resources. Parents should actively participate in their children's online activities, discussing what they see and hear with them to develop critical thinking and safe online behavior. Furthermore, it is necessary to teach children the basics of internet safety so that they can protect themselves from potential threats. It is important to create a balanced environment in which the internet is used as a tool for learning and self-expression, rather than a source of danger and addiction. Attending a university offers a number of significant benefits. Firstly, obtaining a higher education opens the door to broader career opportunities. Many employers prefer candidates with a diploma, as it demonstrates the necessary knowledge and skills. Secondly, during the course of their studies, students develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and teamwork skills, which are important in any profession. The university also provides the opportunity to expand their network of contacts, which can be useful in the future for building a career. In addition, many educational institutions offer internships and practicums, which allow you to gain work experience while still studying. All this emphasizes the importance of higher education and its role in a successful professional life.

• broadens horizons;
• teaches networking;
• develops communication skills and other soft skills;
• provides a fundamental learning experience (if the student is really studying, and not just sitting in lecture halls?).

There is an opinion that higher education is facing a crisis, since a diploma today is not always a prerequisite for a successful career. Leading universities offer high-quality applied training programs, international internships, and organized internships in real companies. These factors provide valuable practical knowledge to launch a career, but the number of universities offering such opportunities is limited. Moreover, it is possible to develop soft skills without extensive university study.

In Russia, more than 70% of people work outside their field of study. Before forcing a child to attend university for the sake of a degree, it's worth considering the feasibility of such a step. Spending five years of their life studying without a clear goal may be ineffective. Instead, it's better to consider investing time in developing skills and experience that will be useful in the future. Choosing a university can be postponed until later, when the issue of higher education becomes truly pressing. This approach will help avoid disappointment and focus efforts on achieving real career goals.

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Helping a child find and develop their talents is an important task for parents and teachers. To support this process, it is necessary to create a favorable environment in which the child can explore their interests and abilities. First, it is important to observe their hobbies and preferences. This could be music, art, sports, or science.

Encourage your child to try different activities so they can figure out what they're really interested in. Participate in their hobbies, ask questions, and show interest in what they do. This not only strengthens the bond between you but also motivates your child to develop their skills.

It's also important to provide access to a variety of resources and activities, such as clubs, workshops, and sports sections. This will help your child not only develop their talents but also meet new people and expand their horizons.

Don't forget about support and praise. Recognizing your child's successes and efforts helps boost their self-confidence and desire to continue developing. It's important to give constructive feedback so your child understands what areas they can improve.

Also, create space for free creativity. Allow your child to experiment, make mistakes, and learn from them. This will help them become more independent and confident in their abilities.

Therefore, supporting a child in finding and developing their talents requires attention, patience, and active participation. By creating conditions for self-expression and development, you help them not only discover their abilities but also shape a confident future.

What should I do if my child doesn't want to continue school after 9th grade?

This is perfectly acceptable, and perhaps shouldn't be insisted on. Candidates without a complete general secondary education also have good prospects in the labor market. Employers value young professionals with the practical knowledge that a vocational education provides. Thus, obtaining a specialty can open doors to a successful career and offer a competitive advantage in the professional environment.

After completing 9th grade, children have the opportunity to enroll in college if they have decided on a career choice. Many colleges have partnerships with universities, which allows students, if necessary, to continue their education and obtain higher education under a simplified scheme. This opens up additional opportunities and facilitates professional growth.

Can online courses be a full-fledged replacement for higher education?

In a number of professions, obtaining a higher education is a prerequisite. This applies to specialists working in fields such as the food industry, medicine, and law, as well as those planning to teach in schools or colleges, as well as architects and engineers. This list is not exhaustive and includes many other professions where a higher education degree plays a key role.

In the digital professions market and in the beauty industry, degrees are not a decisive factor. Recruiters and managers are more interested in practical skills and real-world experience. You can acquire the necessary knowledge and skills in specialized courses that help develop competitiveness in the labor market.

I had a client, an 11th-grade student, who enrolled in a graphic design course at Skillbox. She set a goal to master the profession in a year and start earning money immediately after graduating from school. In the future, she planned to decide whether to go to university or college, or continue developing in design, get a business education and open her own studio. This is an excellent example of a career path.

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Starting front-end development at age 12 and winning an IT championship at age 13 is an impressive achievement. Early immersion in programming opens up a wealth of opportunities for young professionals. Front-end development requires creativity and technical skills, allowing for the creation of interactive and engaging web applications. Participating in competitions and championships not only helps test your knowledge but also develop essential skills, such as teamwork and problem-solving. These achievements can provide an excellent foundation for further career advancement in information technology.

How does career guidance work?

If you haven't been able to help your child choose a career, don't worry: it really is a challenging task. In this case, you should consider contacting a career guidance specialist. A professional consultant will help your child identify their strengths, interests, and preferences, which will significantly simplify the process of choosing a future profession.

Career guidance is based on three key aspects. These aspects include self-awareness, exploring career options, and making informed decisions. Self-awareness helps you understand your interests, abilities, and values, which forms the basis for career choice. Career exploration allows you to become familiar with various professions, their requirements, and growth prospects. Making informed decisions involves analyzing the information received and choosing the most suitable career path. These three elements ensure an effective career guidance process and help people find their calling. What I want — what are my interests and strengths, personality traits, and character traits, and how to develop them. What I can do — what skills and abilities have I mastered, do I have useful experience? What I need — what I need and the labor market need, what salary level is necessary to meet basic needs, and what conditions must be met to achieve this income level. And what should be considered, given the economic, political, and social context.

Modern career guidance is a process of finding your potential and wide opportunities. It is important for a person to see a variety of options and then be able to choose a specific profession. The place of study is not decisive, since in any case we will master a certain specialty. However, by understanding our range of capabilities, we can realize them in a wide variety of scenarios. The right career choice opens the door to a successful career and personal development, making career guidance an important stage in everyone's life.

Enroll in the free "Who to Become?" course from Skillbox and discover new career opportunities. This course will help you decide on your career choice and gain useful knowledge about various fields. Don't miss the chance to develop your skills and find your calling. Participate in the course and begin your journey to a successful career today.

You can achieve significant results in three hours. Success in learning or completing tasks depends on proper time management and focusing on key goals. Use this time effectively to learn new skills, improve your knowledge, or complete important projects. Prioritize and focus on key tasks to make the most of these three hours. With the right approach, you can significantly move forward and achieve your goals.

• Formulate the criteria for choosing a profession that are important to you;
• Take a career guidance test;
• Study in detail the professions selected through testing;
• Complete small tasks to try yourself in a new specialty;
• Work with beliefs that prevent you from taking the first step in changing jobs;
• Make an informed career choice.