Early Exposure to Career Options Helps Girls Stay on Track

February 12, 2010 by Administrator
Filed under Education

By: Ellen Langas Campbell.

“What do you want to be when you grow up?” Even the loftiest answers, such as astronaut or brain surgeon, seem possible to a child while dreaming of his or her future.

But how many people do you know who achieved those early goals? Probably not many. It’s easy for kids to get sidetracked, especially during the tween years when they have to navigate middle school, cope with body changes, and devote time to participating in sports and outside organizations.

Studies show that while boys and girls start out with relatively equal levels of ambition and self-esteem, girls’ self-esteem peaks around 9 years of age and can drop dramatically when they hit middle school. Their attention often shifts abruptly from achievement and personal goals to social acceptance and body consciousness, often causing them to shelve their ambitions. That means that a girl who formerly aspired to being an architect, engineer or scientist might abandon those plans while succumbing to peer pressure – and those lost dreams can impact not only her future, but tomorrow’s society as well.

To compound matters, the National Center for Education Statistics reports that women are still far less likely then men to pursue bachelor’s degrees in disciplines of math, physical sciences, computer and information sciences, and engineering. That translates to fewer women pursuing careers in those fields, which results in fewer entrepreneurs or employees in those fields, and few role models for girls.

For tweens, planning a career is probably not on the radar screen, but it’s the ideal time to lay the groundwork for your daughter. Consistent exposure will lessen the stress that strikes kids and parents like a freight train when it comes time to choose high school classes, colleges and, eventually, a career.

So how do you fit that into your daughter’s already jam-packed schedule? Encourage her to participate in a variety of periodic no-pressure activities throughout her development to expose her to career and leadership opportunities. Don’t worry if your child seems to change her mind often or consider unconventional paths. Now is the time to help her cultivate her curiosity and explore options. Over time, the cumulative benefit can enhance self-confidence in her capabilities and help her maintain a healthy goal orientation.

Age-appropriate activities at every level that introduce careers:

• Job shadowing. This can be conducted informally with an employer’s permission or during more formal programs such as Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work® Day, held on the fourth Thursday in April (www.daughtersandsonstowork.org).

• Have your child interview a family member or friend about his or her career, then set aside time for the child to present and discuss the findings, such as at dinner.

• “Check out” career books at the library.

• Let your child explore the shelves of your local book store and pick out one about careers or college majors – it’s never too early to start looking.

• Attend a local college to explore majors and what careers they lead to.

• Ask your student’s guidance counselor about available resources.

• Get involved with scouting, which offers incredible leadership experiences.

• Volunteer with organizations that can provide exposure to a wide variety of job functions.

While you’re at it, don’t forget to walk the walk and talk the talk! Parents should model and establish productive work habits at home, such as arriving on time, finishing assignments and following directions.

It’s particularly important that girls have authentic role models and learn to lead without losing their feminine identities. Programs like Girls Inc. (www.girlsinc.org), Girl Scouts (www.girlscouts.org) and Girlstart (www.girlstart.org) offer tools specifically created for the needs of girls. Reading articles and biographies about real successful women helps make career dreams seem more tangible and reachable. Books like the Girls Know How® series encourage girls to follow their dreams by exposing them to a variety of jobs, exceptional role models and characters who might be just like them. The key is helping girls visualize the possibilities.

Most importantly, remember that career planning is a long-term process, not an event. With hard work, encouragement and the example of positive role models, all kids really can be who they want to be when they grow up!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Ellen Langas Campbell is the author of the Girls Know How® book series. She is Editor of the national collegiate magazine, SIFE Career Connections, and writes, speaks and conducts children’s workshops about career exploration. A former on-air host and officer of billion-dollar QVC, Inc., Ellen is founder of NouSoma Communications, Inc. She has two teenaged daughters, which explains why there is no list of things she does in her spare time. Someday the list will include playing the piano, tennis, windsurfing and painting! Visit www.girlsknowhow.com.

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