Why Should My Child Explore Careers? (continued)

Career development is a life-long process and your child's plans will probably change as he or she gathers more information.  Exploring careers does not mean that decisions have to be made and set in stone.  It does not mean that as your child makes decisions about his or her career direction, those decisions will be based on concrete realistic information.

What Should Career Exploration Look Like?

Career exploration begins with the awareness that different occupations exist.  It continues with research and "trying out" several occupations.  There are two ways to explore careers; one is to investigate and the other is to experience.  Your child should engage in both.

Investigating Careers:  Your child should collect as much information as possible about several career options.  Your child may be interested in careers that are similar, such as an animal scientist, veterinarian and dolphin trainer; or your child may have wide-spread interests and want to explore careers in a variety of fields, such as firefighter, mental health counselor  and electrician.  Whether your child's interests are focused or general, he or she will be able to create a more realistic educational and career plan by participating in career exploration activities.

Information about careers that should be investigated include:

• What education does this career require?
• Where is the education/training available?  Am I able to access the education/training needed to enter this career?
• What is the future outlook for this career?
• What is the path for advancement in the career?
• What other careers are closely related to this career?
• What are the everyday tasks performed in this career?
• What are the normal work hours?
• Does this career require travel?
• What health and retirement benefits are generally found in this line of work?
• What are the typical wages for this career?
• Do I need to relocate to find a job?
• Do the tasks match my interests and values?

Help Your Child Create a Career Portfolio

A career portfolio is a collection of your child's academic and work experiences, career interest assessments and personal achievements.  A career portfolio can encourage your child to keep a record of important academic and career information that he or she may need in the future.

Make a Career Portfolio Teachable Moment

Help your child make a career portfolio using a file, envelope, journal, scrapbook or other storage device.  As your child investigates careers, encourage him or her to put copies of the information gathered into the career portfolio.  The portfolio may also be a place for your child to:

• Record and save dates, places and duties performed in volunteer work, paid jobs, internships or work-based learning experiences.  This information can be later transferred to a resume or job application.
• Record classes taken in middle and high school and grades received in those classes.
• Store information about education and training research and the colleges or other training locations explored by your child.
• Record results from interest and personality assessments.
• Store records of awards, achievements, or honors.
• Record information about extracurricular activities.

When your child keeps all of his or her career and educational exploration information in one place it will be easily accessible when he or she is ready to apply to college, apply for a job or create a resume.  It will also help your child compare the information he or she gathers in the career exploration process.