WHY EARLY CAREER EXPLORATION FOR KIDS AND TEENS IS IMPORTANT

Table of Contents:

1. How to develop skills early

2. The career exploration process

3. The importance of building social capital

4. Salary negotiation

Exploring Careers Early: Setting Up Your Kids for Success

Let’s start with a question: Are you working in the field you studied in college? If your answer is “no,” you’re not alone. Studies show that a significant percentage of people end up working in careers completely unrelated to their degrees. In fact, a survey by the Federal Reserve found that only 27% of college graduates work in a field closely related to their major.

On top of that, Americans spend billions of dollars annually on degrees they never directly use. According to research by CareerBuilder, 51% of employed college graduates say their first job was unrelated to their degree, and the financial implications of unused degrees add up to an estimated $50 billion in lost earnings annually.

While these statistics may sound alarming, they highlight an essential truth: career paths are rarely linear, and early career exploration can save time, money, and effort. As parents and educators, we can guide our kids and teens through this maze by helping them explore career options, build critical skills, and develop financial literacy from an early age.

Building Skills Development Early: The Key to Future Success

One of the best gifts we can give our kids and teens is the opportunity to explore and build skills while they’re young. This goes beyond traditional academics. Think problem-solving, communication, adaptability, and financial literacy. These are the transferable skills that stay relevant no matter where life takes them.

Encourage your kids to explore activities that interest them. Maybe your teen has a knack for coding or graphic design. Perhaps your middle schooler loves tinkering with gadgets or cooking up recipes in the kitchen. These hobbies aren’t just fun; they’re building blocks for their future careers. Plus, the earlier kids develop skills, the more confident they’ll be when opportunities arise.

Pro Tip: Help your kids document their skill-building journeys. Whether it’s creating a portfolio of artwork, a GitHub repository of coding projects, or even a journal tracking their volunteer experiences, these records can become invaluable down the road.

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The Career Exploration Process: 5-10 Simple Steps

Career exploration doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help your child navigate this journey:

1. Identify Interests: What makes them light up? Whether it’s art, science, or sports, these interests are clues to potential career paths.

2. Research Careers: Use tools like the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook to explore job options related to their interests.

3. Discover Strengths: Encourage them to take free online personality or skills assessments like the Myers-Briggs or Holland Code tests.

4. Test the Waters: Sign up for internships, summer jobs, volunteer opportunities or take them on field trips to gain real-world experience.

5. Talk to Professionals: Help your child conduct informational interviews with people in fields they’re curious about.

6. Set Goals: Work with them to create short-term and long-term goals that align with their interests and strengths.

7. Develop a Plan: Outline actionable steps for achieving these goals, such as earning certifications or gaining specific experiences.

8. Build a Portfolio: Collect evidence of their work—projects, awards, and letters of recommendation.

9. Learn Financial Literacy: Teach them how to budget, save, and invest so they’re prepared to manage their first paycheck.

10. Stay Open-Minded: Remind them that it’s okay to pivot. Career paths can and often do change.

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Social Capital: It’s Not Just What You Know—It’s Who You Know

“It’s all about connections” isn’t just a cliche; it’s a reality. Social capital—the networks and relationships your kids build—is an incredibly powerful tool. These connections often open doors to internships, job opportunities, mentorships, and more.

Start teaching your kids the value of relationships early. Encourage them to connect with classmates, teachers, coaches, and community leaders. Networking isn’t just for adults attending professional mixers; it’s something kids can practice too.

Leveraging Technology and Online Communities Safely

Thanks to technology, the world is more interconnected than ever. Encourage your kids to use platforms like LinkedIn (yes, teens can create profiles too!) or industry-specific forums to learn and network. For younger kids, online communities like those built around hobbies or school subjects can also be great places to connect.

But—and this is a big but—it’s important to teach online safety. Remind them never to share personal information with strangers, to use privacy settings, and to discuss any online connections with you.

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The Art of Negotiation: A Skill Worth Learning Early

Here’s something many adults (and kids!) aren’t taught: knowing how to negotiate is one of the most valuable skills your child can develop. Whether it’s negotiating a salary, asking for a promotion, or even advocating for themselves in school, the ability to confidently communicate their worth can be a game-changer.

Teach your kids the basics of negotiation. Start small by encouraging them to “negotiate” at home, like earning extra allowance for taking on additional chores. As they get older, show them how to research industry salary averages so they can approach job offers with confidence. Websites like Glassdoor and Payscale are great resources to introduce.

Quick Example: Imagine your teen’s first job offer includes a salary that seems a little low. If they’ve practiced negotiation and researched salaries, they’ll know how to professionally ask for a higher wage or additional perks like flexible hours.

Financial Literacy: The Cornerstone of Career Success

Landing a great job is exciting, but knowing how to manage that first paycheck is just as important. Financial literacy should go hand in hand with career exploration. After all, what’s the point of earning money if you don’t know how to save, invest, or budget it?

We can start teaching our kids about financial basics through:

• Budgeting: Explain the difference between needs (rent, utilities, groceries) and wants (concert tickets, that third streaming subscription).

  
  

• Saving: Emphasize the importance of an emergency fund and saving for long-term goals.

• Investing: Introduce them to the concept of growing their money through investments.

  
  

This financial foundation will ensure they’re prepared to make sound decisions when they receive that first paycheck. At KidVestors we help make this process fun and interactive, helping kids and teens grasp complex financial topics through games and experiential learning.

Career exploration isn’t about locking kids into a specific path at an early age.

Instead, it’s about giving them the tools to thrive in any field they choose. Encourage skill-building, emphasize the importance of networking, teach them to advocate for themselves, and provide them with a strong financial foundation. By doing so, you’re not just preparing them for a career—you’re preparing them for life.

Remember, the goal is not to pressure your kids into picking a career by age 10. It’s to help them see the possibilities and equip them with the tools to make informed decisions when the time comes. Who knows? Maybe one day, they’ll even thank you for it.