Samidha Education Co., Ltd.

“It’s not what you achieve, it’s what you overcome. That’s what defines your career.”

~Carlton Fisk (Major League Baseball player)

Though career development is a familiar concept, it could be hard to define without giving some time to think about it. One of the best definition that I’ve come across so far is from Dawn Rosenberg McKay, a New York career consultant who’s been writing books about interviews and jobs. She writes, “Career development is the process that forms a person’s work identity.”

Indeed, it is a significant part of human development and spans over the individual’s entire lifetime, beginning when a child first becomes aware of how people make a living. It continues as that person begins to explore occupations and ultimately decides what career to pursue himself.

Career development doesn’t end there. After you choose a profession, you must then get the required education and training, apply for and find employment, and ultimately advance in your career. 

Some people will start to think about occupational choices very early in life, while others won’t give this subject much thought until they are relatively close to having to decide how they will earn money. For many of us, college applications may be the first time that you’ll seriously think about your future career development—which brings us to—why colleges care about your career development and how it is evaluated in your application.

How do colleges evaluate your career development?

From the perspective of college admissions, career development in high school is about how you have taken advantage of available resources to explore potential career paths or majors. Admissions officers look for characteristics of future success in an applicant, so it’s important to show colleges that you have a clear goal and are making active efforts to achieve it.

This also gives colleges a frame of reference to evaluate your track record in high school. (If a student is applying as undecided, then the combination of his academics, personal character and background must be sufficient to warrant an offer without the consideration of his career path)

Two ways to show colleges what you’ve done:

1) Related activities:

• Student clubs (such as joining the Environment Club on campus if you’re interested in environmental sciences)
• Internships/volunteering experiences (such as volunteering in a hospital for a potential pre-med student)

2) Related skills: if your high school or your community does not have the resources for the majors/careers you’re interested in, you can focus on acquiring the skills that would be important for your career development.

• Example: if a student is interested in law, he can join the Debate Club at school to improve his critical thinking and oratory skills.

In essence, career development is a lifelong process, shaping a person’s work identity from childhood awareness to decisive career choices. For college applicants, it’s important to show active efforts in exploring potential careers. When colleges evaluate an applicant’s track record, the focus is not just on your goals but on intentional steps taken toward those aspirations, highlighting a commitment to personal and professional development. Ultimately, colleges value applicants who approach career development with purpose and a clear vision for their future, reflecting a continuous evolution in their journey.

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For Parents: How to Guide Your Child’s Career Exploration in Middle School

Middle school is a pivotal time in a child’s life – a period of self-discovery and exploration that extends beyond academics. It’s a time when students start contemplating the future, and as parents, you play a crucial role in guiding them through this journey of career orientation. Today we’ll discuss the importance of career exploration, how it positively impacts academic performance, and offer practical advice on helping your child identify their interests.

Why is Career Exploration important for middle schoolers?

1. Introduction to the Working World: Middle school marks the beginning of the journey toward adulthood. Career exploration introduces students to the diverse ways people make a living, laying the foundation for informed decision-making about their future paths.
2. Improved Academic Performance: When students understand the relevance of their studies to potential careers, it often leads to improved academic performance. The connection between classroom learning and real-world application becomes more tangible.
3. Enhanced Attitudes about Career Potential: Early exposure to career possibilities fosters positive attitudes in students. It helps them envision a variety of career paths, promoting a sense of optimism and purpose.
4. Increased Knowledge of Career Options: Career exploration broadens students’ horizons, exposing them to a myriad of career options they might not have considered. This knowledge is empowering and enables them to make more informed decisions about their future.
5. Fitting into the Working World: Understanding how they fit into the working world helps students develop a sense of identity and purpose. It provides clarity on the skills and interests that align with potential careers.
6. Guidance for High School Courses: Career exploration guides students in planning their high school courses based on their future goals. It serves as a compass, helping them navigate the educational landscape with a clear direction in mind.

Identifying Your Child’s Interests

Now that we’ve highlighted the importance of career exploration, let’s delve into practical steps to help your child identify their interests.

Questions for Thoughtful Discussions

Engage your child in meaningful conversations using the following questions:

• What is your favorite school subject?
• What extracurricular activities do you enjoy the most?
• What are your hobbies?
• What do you like to do with friends?
• What special skills do you think you possess?
• What have you done that you are most proud of?
• What do you like to do with your free time?
• What interests you the most?

Strategies for Exploration

If your child seems unsure of their interests, consider the following strategies:

1. Observe Activities: Pay attention to the activities your child enjoys, discussing their likes and dislikes about each one.
2. Cultural Experiences: Visit museums, art galleries, zoos, and attend musical or theatrical performances to expose your child to a variety of interests.
3. Extracurricular Opportunities: Allow your child to explore various after-school or extracurricular activities, such as art classes, computer classes, or sports teams.
4. Encourage Collections/Portfolios: Support your child in starting a personal collection of meaningful items, guiding them in deciding what items to include based on their emerging interests.
5. Joining Clubs: Facilitate your child’s participation in school clubs that align with their emerging interests.
6. Community Service: Help your child find community service activities related to their interests, providing hands-on exploration opportunities.

Middle school is an exciting time for your child to explore their interests and gain insights into potential career paths. By actively engaging in conversations, observing their activities, and exposing them to a variety of experiences, you can play a pivotal role in helping them make informed decisions about their future. Remember, the journey of self-discovery is a process, and your guidance is invaluable in shaping your child’s path toward a fulfilling and successful future.