Changing the language of career discussion in the home

Jilna Virani is the Green School Trust Careers Leader, Geography teacher and parent.

Too many times do I come across students wanting to pursue a career in ‘medicine’ or ‘law’ or ‘engineering’ (to name a few), and their reasons for doing so are not always thought-through. In careers meetings with students, I begin by breaking down the justification for such choices. I am often given reasons such as ‘my dad suggested it,’ or ‘my parents are also in that field.’ I am equally surprised and unsurprised when hearing their reasons, as many of my own peer group had similar responses to this at that age. When further questioning the student in a careers meeting, we get to the conclusion that they do not really know what the study, preparation and work that this career path entails. They have an almost whimsical idea of these career paths, imagining the title of being a doctor or lawyer, rather than appreciating and acknowledging the journey it takes to become one. Whilst it is admirable and very respectful to follow the footsteps of family members, it is not always the right choice for that student.

Whilst every home is different in its context, circumstances, culture and relationships, where possible, parents/carers need to arm themselves with the correct tools and support offered to them by schools to help their children make informed decisions on their future. Changing the language from, ‘have you thought about being an occupational therapist’ (one I had recently in a meeting), to ‘where do you think Science can take you, let’s search together on the UCAS website,’ is so much more powerful. The ownership is on the child, but with the undeniable support from the parent/carer. The parent/carer is armed with the knowledge that the UCAS website is a good place to start, and is suggesting doing something together. This develops a stronger bond of support at home.

Parents and carers are undoubtedly coming from a place of love and care when suggesting career paths to their children. There is a strong emphasis on certain careers that signify status within a social hierarchy. But times have changed. Needs of students are more transparent and should be at the forefront of discussions and decision making. Going to university to get a degree is not the only road to success. Apprenticeships, traineeships, employment and all the other technical and vocational pathways are giving people choice. Let’s not turn those options into a hierarchy themselves and let us see them all on one uniform line.

The government has also changed their legislations to ensure that these pathways are represented in schools and allows technical and vocational providers access to schools and colleges. The new provider access legislation has set a minimum number of times these providers of pathways meet (or ‘encounter’) pupils. And I think that this is a big win, if adhered to by schools. The language the government uses is ‘meaningful encounters’, stressing how important these interactions are. This also starts in younger years, which I believe to be a greater benefit so that stereotypes/stigmas attached to certain professions can be reduced and better career conversations can be had.

So, by changing the language at home first, it enables a dialogue of career empathy and empowerment, which I believe is a better place to start. Pair that with government legislation and better school career development work delivery, we may just shift the traditional narrative.

Further support to help you and your family:

1. Choosing your future with UCAS - useful for Year 12 and 13 students (perhaps even Year 11) - https://www.ucas.com/

2. NHS Careers quiz - to explore the 350+ healthcare careers, it is not just doctors and nurses! - https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/findyourcareer

3. Wheel of strengths, useful for all key stages, particularly Years 9-11 as it is more visual  https://barclayslifeskills.com/i-want-to-choose-my-next-step/school/wheel-of-strengths/

4. Success at school have lots of career advice for students and parents, including videos, webinars and alternative pathway information - https://www.successatschool.org/

5. Skills for careers at all stages - visit ‘Get the Jump’ - https://www.skillsforcareers.education.gov.uk/pages/skills-for-life

Jilna Virani