Help Your Child Get on the Right Path to Success
with WorkPath!
You Are The Biggest Influence
Contrary to
what we think about peer pressure, when it comes to career planning,
you, the parent, have the greatest influence in your child’s
life. According to a student poll at the University of Michigan (July
2007), mothers have the most influence at 41.8%, fathers at 24.9%, teachers
at 15.5%, followed by advisors/counselors at 10.9%. Despite the eye-rolling
and heavy sighs, your message is getting through!
What
Should My Role in My Child’s Career
Planning Be?
As a parent, you have a legitimate interest in your child’s
future. Everything from their health and safety, to the financial impact
of their career decisions on your family, weighs heavily on your mind and
heart. You know all too well that High School Graduation is truly the beginning
of a new journey for your child. While it is a time of celebration, it
is also a time of transition that involves much planning on everyone’s
part. Your ultimate goal should be for your child to be successful, independent
and happy. Here are some tips on how you can help your child prepare for
a successful career:
Listen: While it’s important to ask questions
of your child about their ambitions for the future, actively listening
to their hopes and dreams is equally important. Students are more apt
to keep you involved if you listen to what they have to say.
Assist: Help your child arrange
for mentorships, shadowing or summer intern opportunities. This exposure
to various careers and professional environments will develop your
child’s
skills, and help them better determine the direction that’s best
for them.
Encourage: Your
child should attend career fairs at school and in the community to
broaden their awareness of the options available, the education and
skills required for specific occupations, and the corresponding level
of income. After turning 18, your child should register with WorkPath.
Support: Make time for activities, hobbies and new areas of study
that interest your child.
Communicate: Have open and frank
conversations with your child about how you arrived at your own career
decisions, and the hopes and concerns you have regarding their plans
for the future. Major tensions can develop from changing plans, determining
realistic career possibilities, the social stigma of “acceptable” careers,
the challenge of separating career and personal interest, and the fear
of disappointing the family. This will reduce everyone’s stress
level!
WorkPath Gives Your Child An Advantage
If your child is 18, encourage them to Register with WorkPath, a series
of steps to guide individuals in Wilkes, Ashe and Alleghany counties
with career planning, getting a job or advancing in their current career.
WorkPath is the first step on your child’s road to success.
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