Get Kids Talking About Career Choice

I just read an article on NBC17.com about the Junior Elite Program in Cary, North Carolina. The Junior Elite Program lets children, ages 12 through 17, explore career options. According to the article, the children begin the program by completing an individual assessment, taking an interest inventory and a basic job skills test. They then participate in group discussions, hear speakers and go on field trips in order to learn about the careers they may one day pursue.

The participants in the Junior Elite Program, or similar career exploration programs, may or may not end up in the careers they are considering as adolescents. It will, however, get them thinking about career choices and how one goes about making them. That alone makes programs like these beneficial. Far too many people fall into careers rather than deciding to go into them. Making informed decisions leads to greater career satisfaction. And it's never to early to start gathering that information.

More Resources:

• Career Planning Advice for Kids, Teens, and Parents
• Exploring Occupations
• How to Choose an Occupation