I recently had a conversation with a young woman close to completing her undergraduate degree in a general business subject.  I asked what her next steps were.  "Graduate school," was her prompt reply.  "What will you major in?"  I asked.  "I don't know," was her immediate response.

Perhaps as a parent myself, my head was spinning as I thought of the time, money and energy that had been expended to reach the response "I don't know."  The cost of education continues to spiral upward and the number of career options before our young people is growing exponentially.

What is a parent, grandparent, guardian, mentor, etc. to do?  Education should be an investment in one's future, not a repository for disposable income (if indeed any of us have it anymore!).

Here are some suggestions on how to help those under your care to consider what they want to be "when they grow up."

Pay attention
Even at the earliest ages there are often hints about natural gifts and talents.  I have a son who, at an early age, was constantly taking things apart (and sometimes putting them back together).  A non-traditional student, he ended up with a successful career as an automobile tech, learning and doing things that are well beyond my meager mechanical skills.  Those hints were so present at a young age that my father used to call him "Fingers."  Watch what fascinates and engages your kids, looking for clues about their natural aptitudes, fascinations and skills.  To quote the great philosopher Yogi Berra, "You can see a lot by just looking."

Introduce them
All of us are constantly surrounded by people doing a variety of jobs, from delivery drivers and store clerks to banking professionals and business owners.  Reading books, watching television, enjoying popcorn at the movies, browsing on the internet, etc. all provide opportunities to identify and discuss potential careers.  When Henry Ford built his first car, you could choose only one color:  black.  Careers now come in a virtual rainbow of opportunities.  Do your best to introduce them to the vibrant colors that make up the new vocational landscape.

Consider expert guidance
Although no assessment instrument can tell any of us what we should be "when we grow up," a thoughtful, professional use of proven assessments can provide excellent insights regarding your child's interests, skill confidences and values and how they relate to occupations and careers.  This information is best used to investigate alternatives using my next suggestion...

Get feedback from the street
I am constantly amazed by how people spend so much time and energy in "due diligence" as they shop for cars, homes, technology, etc., yet they decide to become accountants because they are good at math (no disrespect to accountants, by the way, I need them desperately)!  Use your network of contacts to find people in fields of interest to your kids and let them "shadow" them for a workday (if possible), ask questions (I have an excellent list I can share with you), learn what it's really like to be a ___________.  No one knows better than someone who has been there.

Keep options open
Even as your young people move ahead in their career decisions and vocational tracks, be sure to help them keep an eye on the shifting landscape that is part of the new career model.  I am now reading that, rather than changing jobs 3-5 times in a lifetime, our kids may be changing careers as many times.  This presents an excellent opportunity to help them understand themselves and how what I call their "best stuff" relates to the vocational opportunities before them.

Barry Davis, M.S., is a Certified Talent Consultant, Master Career Development Professional and Director of Career Services at LMA.  For over 25 years, he has assisted people who are changing vocations or exploring new career directions. Contact Barry at 717.509.8889 or via email - bdavis@lmaconsulting.cc