At 13 I wanted to be famous. My favourite band at the time was The Smiths, so I was thinking I could be someone like Morrissey...or maybe a Formula One driver? Didn't quite turn out that way...
National Careers Week this week shines a spotlight on future career paths. And in our house that is coinciding with my son's milestone of choosing "Options" - what subjects to take at GCSE level.
I can't help but think though, that the pressure on students to decide their lifelong professions at a young age can be overwhelming for some. "These subjects will determine the course of your life", he's told. Yikes.
In my opinion, expecting 13-year-olds to have a clear vision of their future careers is unrealistic. Some indeed do, but I suspect the vast majority are really not sure what they want to do tomorrow, let alone what career they would like to do when they leave education! While academic achievements are important, it's equally essential to focus on developing "soft skills" like problem-solving, leadership, teamwork, communication, and time management. These skills are invaluable in the workplace and often overlooked in traditional education systems.
When selecting GCSE subjects, students should consider not only the academic aspect but also how each subject can contribute to their overall skill set. Additionally, gaining work experience, even through Saturday jobs or summer holiday positions, can be challenging for younger individuals these days (and at the risk of sounding old!) these opportunities are not there so much any more. Therefore, cultivating soft skills early on becomes a valuable asset in their future career pursuits. The Duke of Edinburgh award is a fantastic way for young people to develop soft skills.
So whether you're a young teen selecting your options or preparing to enter the job market, my advice for Careers Week is simple: prioritise the development of your soft skills. They'll be your strongest assets as you embark on your career journey.
In the words of the legend that is Morrissey: "You'll be looking for a job and then you'll find a job" (but without the bit about being miserable, obvs).
#NationalCareersWeek #SoftSkills #CareerExploration #NCW2024
Product Manager-Blu Omega contract worker with Booz Allen Hamilton for the CDC -DMAC
3moI would love to be apart of this company 🥺❤️