Mom as Career Advisor? Yes!
Vancouver moms fill many roles in their daily lives: teacher, cook, chauffeur, nurse. Few of us, however, would list career advisor. Maybe we should, though, because it turns out that when our kids make educational and career choices, they look to us. WorkBC’s Labour Market Navigator tool and Career Trek video series is where moms are studying up about their kids’ futures in BC’s workforce. So, here’s to putting on your career advisor hat. Start now at workbc.ca/findyourfit.
Ultimately, we’re the single greatest influence on our own children. This might seem like a lot of pressure, but it’s actually good news. It means that our kids are listening to what we have to say. How can you be the best career advisor possible to your own kids? We have tips.
How to be an Effective Career Advisor
1. Take a Class
Believe it or not, there are actually classes that you can take to help you learn how to act as a career advisor or coach for your kids. Here in the Vancouver area one of the biggest is Parents as Career Coaches, offered through Capilano University. They work with DPACs to offer workshops to parents of high school students, so that those parents can become more effective career development allies. It’s a great way to kick-start your own future as a career advisor to your children.
2. Do Some Research
Of course, if you’re helping your kids choose where their education and career will take them, you’ll want to make sure there’s a bright future waiting for them. That means knowing they’re entering a growth industry. You may also want to talk with them about where they imagine living. For example, there may be lots of jobs in a particular sector, but they may be located hundreds of miles from home. To help you get started on your research, visit WorkBC online. Their Labour Market Navigator show you what jobs will be in demand in different regions of the province in the future. Their CareerTrek tool has more than 60 original videos highlighting fantastic jobs across the province, which your kids can watch to get a better picture about what it might be like to actually do that job they’re considering.
3. Be a Good Listener
As with any aspect of parenting, being a good career advisor means being a good listener. Make sure you that you understand what your child really wants. You probably already have a pretty good idea about your child’s talents and interests, but it never hurts to find out more. The more clear you are on exactly what your child’s hopes, dreams and fears are, the better you’ll be able to help them choose an educational or career path.
4. Be Flexible
Your child may settle on a particular career path, and then change their mind, possibly even more than once. It can be really frustrating to spend lots of time helping someone make a decision, only to have them abandon that decision. However, it’s important to keep in mind that this isn’t your life, it’s your child’s life. Just as we made our own mistakes, our kids will make their own mistakes. After all, if it turns out that your child really doesn’t enjoy a particular course or job, it’s better to move on to something that will really work for them sooner rather than later. Be flexible as you help your kids to find their fit.
This article was sponsored by WorkBC.ca. Whether you’re looking for labour market information for your child’s future, job search tips for yourself or just want to browse opportunities throughout BC – WorkBC.ca is where to start. We know – you’re on the go, not to worry! WorkBC’s online tools such as Job Search, Labour Market Navigator, and Career Trek can be viewed on tablet, mobile and virtually everything in between. With one million job openings expected by 2020 now is the time to think about your and your kids’ future. Visit WorkBC.ca one of B.C.’s most powerful job search tools. WorkBC.ca is your one stop shop for all things labour market related in B.C.
