Career Education Association Western Australia reposted this
Teenage career uncertainty is a common challenge, but addressing it is crucial. 🌍 International data (PISA 2022) reveals that two in five students aged 15 across all OECD countries have no clear career plans. The proportion of students described as career uncertain has grown by more than half since 2018, and it’s a matter of concern. 📉 🔍 Analysis of longitudinal studies from various countries shows that teenagers with clear plans are more likely to achieve better employment outcomes than their peers who are uncertain. The young people with the lowest academic performance are most often uncertain. 🎓 💡 The good news? Career development programs can significantly reduce levels of career uncertainty. However, PISA 2022 indicates that too few students engage in effective interventions. 📚 📄 This new short paper brings together the evidence on career uncertainty.
This is why career education within classrooms, given by professionals, is so vital despite the crowded curriculum. Year 7 is not too young to start exploring interests, skills, values etc. Career education can also help to develop student agency and voice.
Very helpful
As a careers educator I understand the value of career discussions to guide students with career indecision. I have to also point out that some career indecision can be a good thing- I recently had a discussion with a friend who had said that he wished he had some career indecision in high school to explore other areas(the benefits of hindsight) as he pursued an area he was very familiar with (and good at!), but was unhappy when he pursued this career. This is obviously anecdotal, but good to reflect on the benefits or the 'wisdom of career indecision' as John Krumboltz once wrote about.
As a person who works with gifted and talented students at the tertiary level, I sometimes also find that the type of career guidance needed doesn't always fit with existing/popular approaches. I've made a series of explainer videos exploring the performing arts as a career choice for teenagers and their parents, but also some videos explaining how to maximise things like the Morrisby Profile tool because unless it is used in a refined way, young people who are 'sure' of what they want to do can suddenly have a crisis of confidence because they are surprised by the career options recommended by the program. It's a great example of why aptitude should never be the only indicator of what a meaningful and rewarding career choice looks like. https://www.monash.edu/arts/music-performance/about/Monash-Performing-Arts-Careers-Network
It’s really hard. Young people making decisions which seem insurmountable when often they don’t even know what the want for breakfast! I say this as a parent of a 17 year old and a career educator. Fortunately I’ve always talked careers and jobs and life after school. She’s changed her mind so many times…at 3 she was going to be a jockey, at 13 join the airforce and at 15 play for the Matilda’s. Now as she finishes year 11 and looks towards her last year of high school she has a clear pathway - university to study paramedicine and then when old enough try out for Fire Service Victoria to become a firefighter. My advice to parents. Relax. Don’t stress them out. Let them explore. Talk to them about the myriad of opportunities. Encourage them. Don’t pressure them. Let them discover what excited them as they grow into their body and learn to be independant and think for themselves. Be open to all their different ideas. They’ll figure it out eventually.
3rd Year Student at Macquarie University | Administration Assistant at Bright Future Consulting
5moI highly agree with this!! During my time in high school I felt a high level of uncertainty regarding my future career leading to uncertainty regarding what higher education I should pursue. Speaking to a career advisor from my school and Careers NSW was really helpful and gave me a direction that I am still working hard towards today !