Experts Urge Parents to Guide Kids’ Career Choices NOW

UPDATE: Parents are urged to take immediate action in guiding their children’s career choices, according to leading career counselors in Ireland. As children express their aspirations through play, experts warn that decisions made as early as sixth class can significantly impact future career paths.

Róisín Kelleher, a career guidance counselor based in Cork, emphasizes the importance of recognizing children’s interests as they play. “Are they interested in making things, fixing things, building things?” she asks, highlighting that these early indicators often connect directly to their future careers. A survey by The Genius of Play reveals that 33.3% of adults believe their childhood play influenced their career choices.

Kelleher and fellow counselor Gemma Lawlor from Reach Guidance stress that parents must closely consider educational options available when their child reaches sixth class. The subjects chosen at this stage can restrict or broaden future opportunities, particularly when transitioning to the Junior Cert and Leaving Cert. Lawlor warns, “If a child doesn’t choose science for Junior Cert, it will rule out various courses and careers.”

60% of people in design-related jobs reported enjoying building blocks as children, while 66.6% of those in math-related roles preferred puzzles. These statistics indicate a strong link between childhood interests and adult career paths, making it critical for parents to engage with their children’s preferences.

As students approach the transition year, Kelleher advises parents to help their children understand the requirements for specific career paths. “Do they need one or two foreign languages, a science subject, or maths at a higher level?” Kelleher notes that while pressure should be avoided, supporting students to opt for higher-level subjects can open more doors.

The time for parents to act is NOW. With the academic year progressing, decisions made in the coming weeks can have lasting implications. Both experts recommend that parents recognize their child’s individuality. “Help them find their first two jobs, but encourage them to explore on their own after that,” Lawlor adds.

Kelleher has developed a new career assessment tool tailored specifically for Irish students, which helps identify suitable career paths based on personal interests. This tool provides access to information on eight key career areas: Business, creative, IT, outdoor, practical, social, science, and apprenticeships. It aims to empower students and parents with the knowledge needed to make informed choices.

As the new academic year unfolds, parents are reminded that the choices they guide their children towards can shape their futures. Engaging with children about their aspirations and understanding educational pathways is more critical than ever.

With urgent updates from career experts, families are encouraged to take proactive steps today to ensure their children are on the right path for a fulfilling career.