Help your children in the career process
The importance of having parents aware of what is involved in career guidance has never been more relevant, so that young people are supported in the best possible way when making career decisions
HELPING HAND: Parents who are aware of courses and career paths can take stress off their children at a difficult time.
INVOLVEMENT with your child’s education and career choice is of utmost importance for parents. We know from the recent Economic and Social Research Institute’s (ESRI) report that parents have a significant input in the career decision that their children make.
In the light of this information and the proposed budget cuts in career guidance, the role of parents in the career decision-making process is going to become more important than ever. Taking into account this changed situation in schools, the importance of having parents aware of what is involved in career guidance has never been more relevant, so that young people are supported in the best possible way when making career decisions.
I find parents to be very supportive and extremely interested in the guidance process. However, they can experience stress because they may not know how to access relevant information that would enable them to help their child.
For many Leaving Certificate students, particularly at this time of year, stress and panic can arise as the young person may not know what course and career path to take. I often hear parents and students say: “I do not know what to do, or where to start!”
Some students know the courses and careers they wish to pursue, whereas others appear to have limited information and are unable to make career-related decisions. In this latter situation the parents are often frustrated and stressed because they believe they are unable to help.
I believe that parents need to be fully aware and familiar with the career decision-making process so that they can give the best possible support to their sons and daughters. Support for parents needs to be available at different stages throughout second-level education, commencing with choice of second-level school, subjects and levels such as higher, ordinary or foundation to be selected leading up to the Junior Certificate examination.
At senior cycle — ie fifth and sixth year — the selection of appropriate subjects and levels to be taken is also of vital importance. The decision regarding what type of Leaving Certificate to pursue must also be considered. In the final year of second-level, students have to make major decisions regarding options after Leaving Certificate, leading to career choice.
At this juncture, well informed parents who are up-to-date with course and career options can play a significant role in helping their child make an informed decision.
In my career guidance service, the main issues raised by parents include the following: what courses are available that best suit their sons’ or daughters’ interests, aptitudes, abilities and personalities? Other factors of concern are course location, duration and cost.
Furthermore, parents often enquire as to what sectors of the economy are likely to create employment opportunities in the future. Therefore, keeping up to date with employment trends and developments in various sectors is very beneficial.
For example, many new and exciting career areas in information technology, computing, engineering and science emerge on a regular basis, while many traditional ones have declined and do not offer the opportunities which they gave in the past.
The career decision-making process is best done over time in a calm informed way, avoiding panic and anxiety.
Whatever stage your child is at, it is important that the basic relationship between parent and young person is maintained. Listen to your child’s concerns, show interest and support, and seek help so that issues can be dealt with. Developing and maintaining self-esteem and self-confidence is important for young people as it provides a foundation for personality and career development.
The abilities and talents that young people have should always be recognised, irrespective of the educational level they have attained. One of the best ways that parents can make a positive contribution to the development of their child is by accepting them for what they are and what they have achieved and encouraging and supporting them in their career choice.
There are a number of ways in which parents can help their children in the career decision-making process, such as attending college and training centre open days. Checking information on the national course database, Qualifax, and attending school parent-teacher meetings are highly desirable. In addition, workshops providing guidance and information on courses and career areas would help parents greatly as their son or daughter makes a decision regarding their future career.
In conclusion, parents can play a vital part in their children’s development by encouraging them to stay in school, complete their second-level education, have a positive approach and impress upon them that having a good education is the pathway to a successful future.
Whether one can obtain employment in this country or abroad, having a qualification or training is the key to reaching one’s potential and having a fulfilling life.
* Róisín Kelleher is a career guidance consultant
