Preparing to Make Career Decisions

How parents and teens can work together

How is Success Measured?

Health, longevity?By happiness? Peace of mind?By character?By contributions to society?Having a good marriage? Good children?By wealth?

Individual Factors in Making Career Decisions

Interests and StrengthsSkills, Abilities, TalentsLikes and DislikesAptitudesValuesCharacter – honesty, loyalty, work ethicTraining

Interests and StrengthsWhat do you like about doing that activity?Are there other activities like it that you would like to try?Do you know any people with a similar interest? What

other activities do they like to do? If that person is an adult, what kind of work do they do and does their interest play a part in it?

What is your favorite school subject?What activities outside of school do you enjoy the most?What hobbies do you have or would you like to have?What do you like to do with friends?What do you like to do in your free time?What types of books interest you the most?

Nurturing InterestsFormal interest assessment –

many available online

Get started pursuing things that INTEREST you!

A child who likes animals could: Join a 4-H club Volunteer at a local veterinary clinic

or humane society Care for a neighbor's pets

A child who likes art could: Design a personal website Make birthday or holiday cards for

friends or relatives Create graphics for the school

newsletter

A child who likes to help people could:

Be a summer camp counselor Assist at a day care center Teach a younger child to read

A child who likes to build or repair things could:

Build a radio or computer from a kit Take apart an old appliance and put it

back together Design and build a birdhouse

A child who likes sports could: Play on a sports team Assist a coach Umpire or referee community games

Skills, Abilities, TalentsWhat is your child GOOD at?Employability Skills – reading, writing, math,

problem solving.Transferable Skills – skills that can be

transferred from one field to another: organization, communication, teamwork

Technical skills – specific to a certain job or industry

Experience the World of WorkEncourage your children to volunteer for

organizations in their career interest areas.Suggest that your children find part-time or

summer jobs that relate to their career interests.Help your children arrange to "shadow" someone

who works in their fields of interest.Find out what kinds of courses are offered in your

children's school that would help them prepare for their fields of interest.

Help your children find an internship or other learning experience related to their career interests.

Encourage Extracurricular ActivitiesSportsRecreationMusicReligious activities

Learn discipline, leadership, teamworkDevelop responsibility, sense of purpose, caringCreate bonds with other youths and adultsDiscover own talents, interests, strengths, and

limits

School-related ExtracurricularsStudent LeadershipStudent ClubsAthleticsService OrganizationsMusic, Art, and DramaSchool Newspaper and YearbookForeign StudySummer Enrichment

Work ExperienceIt helps them understand the world of work and make better

decisions about where they fit in.They learn skills, attitudes, and habits required to be successful

in work. In almost any type of job, they will learn about time management, meeting deadlines, and following directions. They will probably improve their problem-solving, interpersonal communication, leadership, and teamwork skills.

It helps them learn about managing their own money. They will learn the "value of a dollar." They earn their own spending money. They will be able to save money for college or other priorities.

It helps them establish a work history and references. If they have done a good job, they will have an advantage in finding work later, whether a part-time summer job or permanent employment.

Develop a Career PlanWho am I?

Where am I going?

How do I get there?

What are my next steps?

Where am I now?

Resources Extensive list of college majors and the types of jobs they can lead to: http://studentaffairs.psu.edu/career/cic/majors/default.html

This site is offered by Penn State, complete with login info and password!  http://studentaffairs.psu.edu/career/students/exploring.shtml

http://studentaffairs.psu.edu/career/pdf/CG/CG_Developing_Career_Goals.pdf

Career Interest Game: http://career.missouri.edu/students/majors-careers/skills-interests/career-interest-game /

From website: http://www.mychildsfuture.org/parents/item.htm?edlvl=3

CareerShip: GREAT SITE!!! http://mappingyourfuture.org/planyourcareer/careership/

These look fun: http://www.careergames.com