Special Feature: How to give kids career advice

For many young people, a trusted source of career advice is their parents. However, parents may lack solid resources, up-to-date information or communication techniques when it's time to give life-changing career advice. Find out what parents can do.

Embarking on, or even changing, a career can be daunting, exciting, challenging and liberating all at once. Many parents can be caught in the awkward situation of wanting to help their children and see that they 'get a good start in life', but may feel like they are being intrusive, nagging, placing too much pressure or having too high expectations.

Numerous studies* reveal that students and young adults cite parents as an important influence on their choice of career. Parents therefore directly and indirectly affect their child's career development and influence the training, education and particular courses and occupations they choose to pursue.

Families, parents and guardians in particular, play a significant role in the occupational aspirations and career goal development of their children. Without parental approval or support, students and young adults are often reluctant to pursue - or even explore - diverse career possibilities," states a report from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (from http://www.jobweb.com).

Children (even when they are teens) are subtly affected by who their parents are, what they do, and the general approach they take to life - of which working makes up a huge one-third. It is therefore crucial that parents exert as positive an influence as possible on kids regarding their working lives. Being open and understanding, encouraging communication and trust is just the start to helping children fulfil their potential.

SkillsOne Tips for Parents:

Let your kid/s choose their own passion - have a flexible, open-minded approach that considers what they want. Learn to listen as this will help you respond better tp your teenagers expectations and aspirations. If they are highly academic it does not necessarily mean that (s)he desires a typical professional occupation such as doctor, lawyer, dentist or accountant. Try to consider the whole picture - your child's needs, their goals and future plans, their relationships, what they find meaningful and valuable. They may actually find maths boring, or loathe the idea of being confined to an air-conditioned office with a view of concrete and cars for 40 or more hours a week.

Consider the current labour market - whilst you may have been brought up with the view that trades are dirty, poorly paid, 'second-hand' jobs for dropouts, this is not the case today. Baby boomer parents have enjoyed exceptional opportunities and unparallelled financial growth in the last 50 years.This is different to Gen X offspring who have endured recessions and Gen Y who are used to the instant gratification provided by today's media and technology.

The 21st century is a radically diverse, innovative and fast-changing one to which today's school leavers are versed. Social norms are different while many have different world-views and more opportunities and avenues for experience and development which parents may never have even dreamed of.

Trades are often a lot safer, cleaner, highly trained, highly technical, and are accredited, viable and prosperous career options today. There is no shortage of work with a trade under your belt, as industries are in need of keen and able apprentices and qualified people. SkillsOne provides videos about all kinds of trade and vocational careers for parents and students.

Consider the new workforce and your attitudes - Yahoo Columnist, Penelope Trunk, says that "today's workplace is very different from the one baby boomers navigated. But often they don't realise that, and think the 'classic' advice still applies. It doesn't." This is one of the main things that parents must be aware of: that it is essentially up to your child - he/she is trying to develop into an independent, confident young adult and wants to take charge of his/her life. Of course teens want parents to 'be there', but in a supportive, comforting way rather than a domineering, suffocating manner.

Develop casual, open communication lines - As teenagers don't always express what they are thinking and feeling and Mums and Dads should try not to infer, or impose - based on their own knowledge and experiences - from their kids' attitudes and behaviour. Ask our teenagers what he/she likes and dislikes, what their hopes and dreams are, what they think they are their talents and good attributes, and also their not so good. Share your thoughts, show empathy and understanding and offer advice and guidance, but let them know that this is only from your experience (not necessarily what they will find true).

Don't compare them with others - Teenagers are all unique, and we all have our level of personal best to attain. Encourage them to play to their strengths, not their weaknesses. There's no point forcing them to consider careers which they may have no talent or passion for.

Let young people go at their own pace - they think differently to older adults.

Encourage kids to grab opportunities - show them how to consider all factors and to keep their options open - "you never never know if you never never go" - but don't force them!. Simply point out the pros and cons of considering a certain career direction, of applying for a particular job, or furthering their education, or undertaking a particular course which may help them develop their skills, and let them make decisions themselves (but always let them know that you are there for support). Help them improve decision making and initiative.

Be positive and non-judgemental - focus on the skills and talents they do possess, rather than highlighting what you think of their career ideas or imposing an adult's oiften jaded view of the world. Young people want to feel they can turn to their parents and not be judged when seeking advice. We all make mistakes and this is part of learning. When kids feel disappointed in themselves, help them get back on their feet and consider a new direction. There are endless viable job and career paths out there, and we do not necessarily have to be limited to just one! Many people change jobs and try their hand at different jobs in their working lives. Be hopeful and flexible, but also be realistic.

Use resources and information - use career advice services, websites like SkillsOne, current Australian Bureau of Statistics labour research, other parents and mentors for their first-hand experience and tips. Develop you and your child's knowledge about work and the sheer amount and range of opportunities available - the many different areas of the workforce that will recognise the skills and talents they have to offer. Everybody can learn new skills and refine their talents - it's just a matter of realising and applying them and doing what is right for them.

Watch the SkillsOne video 'A Message for Parents ', where John Taccori - an experienced career and vocational counsellor - offers his advice as to how parents can help school-leavers with the world of work.

(*) (Knowles, 1998; Marjoribanks 1997; Mau and Bikos 2000; Smith 1991; Wilson and Wilson 1992)