Helping your teenager explore careers

Julie Murphy, M.A., Founder, Waverly Educational Consulting 

April 21, 2022

One of the biggest questions facing college-bound students is, “What do I want to do when I grow up?” For most teenagers (and many adults) this is a challenging question to answer with confidence. Not only do high schoolers generally lack exposure to a wide variety of careers; there can also be added pressure to choose a career that aligns with their perception of family expectations, or to identify a career prior to applying to colleges. 

As a parent or trusted adult, you can play a key role in helping your student begin exploring careers and in debunking common myths about college majors. Here are a few simple ways to help start the conversation. 

Start a “dream careers” list 

Start off by brainstorming with your student. Have them name any careers that come to mind that may be of interest. Nothing is off limits here! Then, see what similarities or patterns might arise from that list. This will help to identify other similar career areas that might not have been considered yet.

Focus on strengths 

Instead of focusing on areas for improvement in your student, name their areas of strength. Are they a particularly gifted writer or orator? Do they have a knack for complex math? Are they seen amongst their peers as a natural leader? Evidence for their strengths may or may not show up on their transcript.

There are many great research-backed strengths programs out there, if you or your student are interested in learning more. The CliftonStrengths Online Talent Assessment and YouScience are just two of many options for further strengths explorations. 

Set up career shadows 

Another great way to learn about careers is to actually experience a day-in-the-life of a working professional. Tap into your own network -- colleagues, family members, neighbors, or friends -- to see who might be willing to have your student shadow them at work for a day. If a day-long shadow isn’t feasible, set up a coffee chat or lunch. Any exposure your student can get to professionals at work gives them the chance to learn what they can’t glean simply from researching online. 

While you can help to make the initial connection, make sure your student is involved in communicating with the professional throughout the process. Have them set the appointment, come prepared with a list of questions, and as always, follow-up with a note of thanks. 

Align with majors 

After your student has a solid list of potential careers, see how they align with the major opportunities at their choice schools. Many college websites will also have lists of potential careers that align with their majors, which is a good starting point. Remember, while a major does not usually equal career, once a career of interest is identified, majors are in fact an important decision, as they will lead to a college degree with some specialization.

Consider internship, co-op, and alumni programs 

Finally, take stock of how your student’s potential college or university helps their students continue the career conversation throughout their schooling. It may be tempting to rely on data like career placement rates, but dig deeper for a fuller picture. 

• Does the college offer a strong internship or co-op program? 

• What services does the career services center provide, and do students find the support meaningful?  

• Are graduates employed in roles that align with their goals?

Also consider the alumni network of the college. Many colleges and universities provide places for alumni to connect and network, not only for jobs amongst themselves, but for opportunities for current students. 

Helping your high schooler to identify and stay open to possibilities, and getting comfortable with being uncomfortable, is one of the best ways you can support your students’ first experience with career and major decisions.