Talk With Your Child About a Career

Explain your Interests

As a parent, you play an important role in your childŐs career choices. No matter the age of your child, you can start talking about your career and what your child may like to do. Use the following discussion topics and questions to start a conversation about career interests. The information gained from these questions can provide a starting place for a secure future for your child.

 
     

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  Discussion Topics   Questions for Your Child  
         
         
  Explain how school helped you in your present career. Tell your favorite school subjects and which ones helped you the most. What subjects do you like best?  
         
         
  Describe jobs you held during the school year and summer months. Explain chores and responsibilities you had as a teenager. Describe work where you volunteered your services. What jobs could you go into that use these subjects, responsibilities, and services?  
         
         
  Name specific skills you need in your career. Explain tools you use daily (e.g., computers and 10-key calculator). Explain skills you need to perform your career (e.g., measurements, computation, technical reading, written reports, oral presentations). What specific skills are needed for the career you are considering?  
         
         
  Discuss what determines how or where you live. Describe activities you do during your time off and how they are affected by your career. What type of lifestyle do you want?  
         
         
  Tell about your interests, abilities, and needs related to your career. What are your interests? What types of things do you do well?  
         
         
  Explain why you work (e.g., benefit, enjoyment, fulfillment). What careers seem interesting to you?  
         

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