How do I successfully support my child in the career choice?
The early bird… To avoid time pressure, try to address the subject of career choices at an early stage. Thus, if you are undecided, there is sufficient time for internships in various professional groups.
Career aspiration: Talk with your son about his wishes, ideas and expectations.
Extremely important: Openness. Listen calmly to your son. Although many of his ideas may seem unrealistic or unattainable to you, do not try to impress your own view of things upon him.
I have no idea… If Jadon has virtually no idea at all about which vocational direction to pursue, it is advisable to ponder the following questions:
What is it that you particularly enjoy doing? What are you passionate about? What are your hobbies?
In which occupational endeavors can you apply these skills, in which vocational areas are your particular strengths and abilities needed? Which professional categories deal with issues that you care about?
Pro and contra: If your son’s career aspiration is somewhat clear, try to establish a list with him about its potential advantages and disadvantages. It may show relatively quickly if the anticipated occupation is suitable or perhaps not such a good fit.
Becoming active: Support Jadon in searching for information about specific professions and the relevant training courses. But let him do the work himself, such as making phone inquiries, arranging appointments with career advisors, compiling application materials…
Practice, practice, practice: For many young people, specific hands-on experiences are far more helpful in their career search than written job descriptions. Thus, encourage Jadon to get a taste of relevant jobs with on-site visits, or obtain first-hand information based on pertinent conversations with acquaintances and relatives about their occupations.
Setbacks: Setbacks may occur if another profession must be contemplated, or when an internship or practical training is not possible. In such cases, you assume the important function of encouraging your son to continue his search and not to bury his head in the sand.
Do-it-yourself: As difficult as it may be for you to accept: the ultimate decision must be your son’s alone. A decision is easiest to implement if one is entirely behind it. Likewise, it must be clear to your son that he alone will have to bear the consequences for his decision. This means that he assumes the responsibility for his action. The process of initiating decisions and living with the consequences is a life-long experience. Moreover, one’s obligation to make informed decisions and assuming the responsibility for them is equally important for our democratic way of life and coexistence. Thus, it can hardly be practiced early enough.
