Choosing a career for your child is not something you need to do in high school, and it's certainly not something you can do for another adult. So let's talk about my top tips for helping your child choose their career path.
1. Choosing a career is up to the student
As your child gets older, it eventually becomes their job to choose their college major and path. They will change their minds many times in high school but will ultimately make the final decision as an adult.
2. Always be prepared for any career choice
Our job, then, is to be prepared for anything that your child will choose, from communications, to trade school, to chemistry. You do that by: covering core classes, taking the SAT or ACT, carefully choosing a variety of colleges where you might get scholarships, and being flexible with changing attitudes throughout the process.
3. Include career exploration
Give your child lots of experiences that help them choose a future path. That may sound scary, but that just means including delight directed learning. That lets the child test different careers, skills, and tasks involved in different jobs.
4. Start considering options
Go to a college fair and start college visits early so you can gather information. I'd encourage you to visit all colleges within a few hours of home, or within a few hours of a loved relative, if need be. That will give you a variety of colleges to choose from. In order to get scholarships, you need to have 4-8 colleges where you will apply - colleges you have visited and taken notes on. By starting now you will be well prepared. Talk to each college about degrees and undergraduate degrees that fit your child's interests.
By following these suggestions, you will be in the PERFECT PLACE to be prepared for anything.
Hi! Thank you for your helpful and encouraging words. Do you have any suggestions for a 15-year-old who wants to be a Lego designer but who also plays three sports? Our research suggests he should learn Danish. Really?! ? Spanish seems a little more practical. He has also been encouraged by coaches to play football in college, so we are looking at schools with mechanical engineering degrees and a reputable football program. Is it possible to pursue two dreams at once, or should he focus on one? Thanks!
Hi Krissy!
I often suggest chemistry/chemical engineering or architecture for serious Lego fans. But more urgently, look at the NCAA requirements now, for football. Work toward getting into college for now, and he can adjust his degree as the situation changes and his goals fluctuate. That way you'll be the most prepared for anything. You'll need to start writing course descriptions to have them ready for the NCAA.
You can start your research on with this article: https://www.homehighschoolhelp.com/blogs/ncaa-101-for-homeschoolers
Blessings,
Lee
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