Selecting a Career: Essential Information for Young Adults - Essay Sample

Introduction

The decision about career selection is not be taken lightly, with the anticipated increase of the retirement age to 67 years, individuals will be expected to work for more than 50 years in the careers they choose. It is essential to ensure that young adults are equipped with the relevant information that will enable them to make the right decision regarding their careers. I conducted three interviews to get statements about the participants' experience, thoughts, and feelings about career selection, and it was an insightful process. The data published below was based on the opinion of five participants and is not supported by any facts or findings.

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My first interaction on the subject was with Jane and Nelly. Jane believes that the responsibility of career selection is too important and should be handled by the parents or guardians. Jane is 38 years of age, and she believes that when she was seventeen years, she was in no position to make a smart career choice. She is grateful for her parents, who made the career decision for her, and she stated that they helped shape the life she is living in today. Nelly, on the other hand, is unsettled and unsatisfied with her career as an accountant. Growing up, Nelly was passionate about acting and singing and was hoping to pursue a career in the field of performing arts. Her parents were not accommodative of her idea and dismissed it, enrolling her in an accounting course. The parents argued that she would have a better future and security if she pursued a professional course.

My second interaction was with John and Janice, who are both in their late thirties. John argued that he was allowed by his parents to choose a career he wanted. He did not see it as a positive experience because his parents were never involved in his school life. They did not take the time to check his progress or performance. The relationship between him and his parents was close to non-existence, and he felt that their lack of opinion on his career choice was equivalent to their lack of interest in his wellbeing. Janice, on the other hand, believed that times have changed, and children are more than capable of making smart decisions about their preferred careers. Janice said that she has a sixteen years old niece who is intelligent and more knowledgeable and informed than she was at her age. Janice says that her niece is opinionated and certain about the path she wants to take. Janice also said that if she were a parent to a young teen, she would be flexible and allow her to decide on career selection and, in turn, provide the support she would need.

My final interview was with a career expert specialist who has experience working with parents and young teens. Robert has over seven years' experience in the field, and he provided insights about the subject. I inquired about the process of establishing a preferred career for his clients. The first step he takes it to ensure that the parents remain open-minded and are ready to accept the results of the process. Robert then talked with both the parents and the children and assured the children that they are not limited and will not be victimized for their choices. Robert then releases the parent so that the children can feel free during their interactions. During his interview with the children, he sorts to find out the children's interest and if they have role models. He then asks them about what they like about their role models and also asks them to describe the future they imagine for themselves. Robert stated that acquiring this information either through the process of face to face interaction or through questioners is essential in determining an ideal career for the children.

The decision about career selection is sensitive, and all the shareholders need to be involved in the process. The ideal decision will be attained if both parents and children work together to identify a career that will be suitable for their children. Parents should be keen to observe their children and identify the area that they are passionate about and help them cultivate them to careers. It is unfair for the children of parents to impose jobs on them without consulting them. Some guardians believe that their children will attain heights that were unattainable to them because of the lack of opportunities or financial constraints. Children should be allowed to express their interests, and parents should support them in the process of attaining their goals. The curriculum is also full these days, and children are allowed to participate in both curricular and non-curricular activities. Times have also changed, and children are more informed these days and are in a position to make a smart decision about their careers and future.

The best possible outcome on the career selection process can only be attained of the individuals who will spend their lives in those careers are involved. Just because a student scores an excellent score in their tests does not mean that they should pursue a course in medicine or engineering. Children's interests should be factored during the selection process to obtain satisfactory outcomes. When involved in the selection process, the children will be inclined to work hard as they will feel like they are the pilots of their future. They will be entitled to ensure that they achieve their best as it is the future they helped design for themselves. Involving children in the career selection process is a way of transferring the responsibility of their future from the parents to them. It is a way of ensuring that they remain accountable for their success.