Definitely disagreed with the notion of parents coming along to guidance interviews. When I worked in accounting one guy was responsible for marketing the firm and did it really well, however his father decided that marketing wasn't a "proper career" and managed to wangle things with one of the partners for his son to change career and embark on the much more sensible route of becoming an accountant.
I have never seen anyone so miserable at work. He really struggled with it, hated it, became withdrawn and failed his exams quite spectacularly. Maybe mummy and daddy were much happier with his choice initially but it was just SO wrong for him. Seeing this happen had quite a powerful effect on me long before I ever thought of doing careers guidance.
Its a great pity if career advisers don't want parents involved because they're ashamed of what they do and I hope I never fall into that position.
I can definitely imagine involving parents later on if it they were unsupportive of their child's choice, and acting in an advocacy role in that situation, but at the initial stages keep them well away as far as I'm concerned!
Also disagreed with the notion that school is a bad place to carry out guidance. Even from a practical point of view we'd need them to come along in the evening or in the holidays to somewhere if we didn't meet them in school. At least school is an environment they are familiar with. I agree meeting in a school cupboard doesn't sound very appealing from either the child or the adviser's point of view, and if at all possible it should be somewhere like a quiet corner of the library. I have to say as well that meeting in a semi-formal situation with an adviser is bound to feel a little alien when you are at school but its almost like the first practice for the real thing - interviews for college or jobs, and from that point of view maybe its a good thing just to get a sense of what getting together with an adult and talking about what you enjoy etc is actually like.
PS happy ending -said failed accountant is now pursuing career in recruitment consultancy and loves it. Not sure if that's suitable for mummy and daddy to disclose at cocktail parties however!
My last Post ...
17 years ago
I hear what you are saying, the guy was railroaded into a career he didn't want to do - very sad story but at least he found something he likes now! I have to disagree with the argument that parents should not be involved in the initial stages. Like I said in the lecture, after our hour long career interview is over, kids must go home with their parents and these are the people who wield so much influence. Perhaps we should see guidance as opening a space for people to talk about these issues with family....I would see parents being more likely to be involved later if they are involved earlier ( if you see what I mean!). In my last role at an FE college, we worked alot with parents and often went to their houses to meet them and discuss with the whole family and the young person. This flexibility and seeing people in their environment/community brings a greater understanding and appreciation of the person's wider social context.
ReplyDeleteMy feeling is that it all depends on the parents. If they are supportive, and genuinely want their son or daughter to make the right choice for them, then I can see it would be all to the good to have them involved right from the beginning - if the young person agreed.
ReplyDeleteBut there are so many parents who presume to decide what their child will do (or can do), whether it would make them happy or not - like your colleague in the accounting firm.
It's what used to happen long ago, when sons were expected to follow their fathers into whatever trade or business they had - whether they had any aptitude for, or interest in, it themselves. It would be a shame to think that some young people are still in the same trap.
I think initial guidance interviews should take place without the parent. This gives the young person more freedom and gives you the chance to ask questions like "...and what do your parents think about you wanting to be a martial arts movie star? (somebody genuinely told me that's what they wanted to be in an interview).
ReplyDeleteIt gives you the chance to prepare how to discuss it with the parent. It could be that after your discussion with the young person they've made a different decision so there is no need for them to have had a confrontation with parent anyway.
Careers Advisers often hear stories like “I want to be a nurse” or “I want to be an electrician” from school pupils. When you ask why? The answer is my mum is a nurse, or my dad is an electrician.
ReplyDeleteEven if a guidance interview takes place without the parent attending, this does not mean that the decision of young person will change. Sometimes the parental influence can be so strong young people can feel they have nothing to say. I understand what Jane is saying about unsuitable occupation for that young person and this is a good example of how right career choices are important. Maybe, instead of interviewing the young person first, the parent should come for a wee interview before hand!!! But this is a different topic… Career education for parents as we know is already very challenging…