Talking to Your Teen About College and Careers
photo credit: (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Bennie J. Davis III)
Sometimes parents get the big eye roll when they try to discuss college and careers with their teenagers. Teens get college and career advice all the time. Everyone has an opinion about their aspirations, interests, etc. So how can you have a powerful discussion with your teen about college and careers?
“You should be a …..”
Ask you teen what career interests they have, but don’t tell them what to be. Even if you notice a talent they have that would make them suitable for a particular path if they have no interest in that area they will not be able to excel in that field. Try suggesting a career rather than telling them what they should do. “Have you thought about …….” “Do you know anything about ……”
You can be whatever you want to be.
While this is a supportive approach it is not the best way to help your teen. This statement gives them no guidance. Ask your teen questions about careers. Talk about choices together.
If it’s hard then don’t do it.
This is not something parents should say to students. We need to encourage our children to take on challenges and persevere. Challenging things make us stronger. We learn from challenging experiences. I know we want our children to take on a career that will not be stressful or cause emotional pain, but at the same time some people see a job as overwhelming and others may see the same job as an opportunity. Don’t discourage your teen. If you think they mention a career that is challenging explore the pros and cons together.
Picture yourself 10 years from now. Where are you? What are you doing? Who is around you?
Do you have a career vision?
What do you want to get really good at doing?
What is your definition of work?
What impact do you want to have on other people’s lives or in the world?
Whom do you admire most? What qualities do you admire in that person. (living or dead)
What is most important to you? What do you value?
What motivates you?
Do you believe that you can love what you do and make money doing it?
The best thing you can do for your teen is listen to them, ask them about their interests, and guide them to making choices best suited for them.
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