Thursday, January 12, 2012
Article from Career Portal
Getting informed ensures you can be of great assistance to your son or daughter.
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. Parents who are aware of courses and career paths can take stress off their children.
According to a recent Economic and Social Research Institute’s (ESRI) report, 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. At this time of year, stress and panic can arise as the young person may not know what course and career path to take.
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 - i.e final two years in school - 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.
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.
Based on an article by Róisín Kelleher, The Irish Examiner.
Article from Career Portal
