Career conversations – a parents’ guide

What are career conversations?

You might picture a career conversation as something you have when your child picks their school subjects. Or when they're about to leave school. In reality, you'll start having these much earlier. 

From a young age, children talk about what they like to do, their interests, what they’re good at and their hopes and dreams. You're the biggest influencer in your child's life, so how you respond is really important. 

There are some key times to chat about careers, like when they choose their subjects, get exam results or are ready to leave school. These conversations can happen anywhere and anytime.

You don’t need to be an expert on careers but you can help increase their awareness of:

• what they’re good at 
• what they enjoy  
• the world of work  

And we're here to help you do that. 

Common conversations to have with your child

We've listed some tips to help you navigate a few key conversations using My World of Work. 

'I don't know what I want to do'

Ask them what:

• their hopes, dreams and ambitions are
• subjects they enjoy or are good at
• their interests and skills are
• they think about subject or career choices
• they want to happen next or in a few years

How My World of Work can help:

1. Explore more than 600 job profiles to get inspiration.
2. Try My Strengths tool to discover what your child is good at and what careers might suit them.
3. Try the Option Choices tool to see what careers match the subjects they like.
4. Consider apprenticeships, these are great for building skills and getting on the job experience.

‘I want to be a ___’

What to ask:

• why that career interests them, learning their priorities can help identify more options
• if they know what skills this career needs
• if they've thought about what subjects they'll need to take
• if they've thought of a 'Plan B' career, help them consider other options that match their skills and interests
• if they have thought about contacting someone doing that job to find out what it’s really like

How My World of Work can help: 

1. Search for the matching job profile to discover more about it and the skills and qualifications needed.
2. Our industry pages might help you find similar roles to broaden your child's horizons.
3. Check if there are any courses that could help build the skills your child needs to learn.
4. Discover volunteering opportunities related to the career.

‘Where can I get career help and support’

What to ask:  

• what they want support with – you or someone you know might be able share your experience
• if they know their school careers adviser and have spoken to them
• if they know about the support available on My World of Work

How My World of Work can help: 

1. Use our CV builder together to make eye-catching CVs.
2. Show your child our tips on job applications.
3. Give them a better idea of what to expect from a job interview.
4. Help them write a great personal statement for college or university.
5. Share our top tips on nailing a college or university interview.
6. Discover support and funding available to learners with additional support needs.

Have a conversation with us about your child’s career

Did you know your child has a Skills Development Scotland careers adviser in their school They can chat to them any time and you can speak with them too! Contact your child’s school office for details of how to get in touch with their careers adviser and set up a one-to-one.