For teenagers, beginning to plan their career is never too early or too late. Helping teenagers make the connection between their academic studies and their long-term goals can have a significant impact on their daily motivation.

One of the most important decisions in life is choosing the right career, but many teenagers spend very little time doing so, due to a lack of opportunities of services of good Career Counselors and counselling services. Online Counseling for the careers of teens is one of the key priorities of TalktoAngel.

Your teen will start considering careers as they get closer to the end of high school. To help your child choose a career after high school, you should encourage them to explore their interests and passions. For your teen to recognize their passions, try to help them develop a strong sense of self. To help them understand the practical steps they should take to begin their career, assist them in researching various career options. Allow you’re teen to work and volunteer so that they can determine the type of work they enjoy.

Here are a few ways to encourage your teen to start thinking about their future career and you can take Teen Therapy sessions for a better understanding of career planning and career options and guidance to your teenage child.            

1. Start with a conversation

You might be surprised by how engaged your teen can become when talking about their future, even if they generally avoid any conversation that lasts longer than two words. Ask open-ended questions about how they imagine their adult lives: where do they see themselves living, what do they think they'd like to do, what kinds of things they think they'll spend money on—and how much money will they need?

Instead of focusing on your demands or their responsibilities these all make for excellent starters. The career path of another adult you admire can be followed or your own story told.

2. Motivate them to take the initiative

Working it out on your own is the best way for a teen to find a career that suits them. However, you can do a lot to support your children by asking the right questions and encouraging them to start considering and looking.       

3. Encourage them to consider their interests (both positive and negative)

Starting with the skills and activities your teen enjoys can make it much easier for them to find what they'll truly love rather than trying to find a job to determine your goals and the best route to reach them. Parents can help their children realize what they might be good at professionally by asking them about their favorite activities during the day, after school, and on the weekends and pointing out specific skills that are required in those activities.

4. Allow your teen to network with people from various industries

Ask your friends and family for assistance. Allow your teen to meet with experts in the field if they are considering a certain career path.

5. Speak with the school counselors

School counselors are trained to assist your teen in creating a concrete plan and can assist teens in identifying potential career paths. Call the school and ask to meet with the student counselor with your teen. You and your teen can discuss potential career paths and realistic ways to help them accomplish their objectives.

Find out from the career advisor how you can help out as a parent. You can probably take a lot of steps to ensure that your teen has a successful start to career planning after high school.

Additionally, you can ask your counselors to connect you with recruiters from relevant colleges. This may encourage your teen to pursue the academic programs necessary for a potential career.

6. Try taking a career assessment test

You can find many career assessment tests online. Teens are required to complete these questionnaires about their interests and skills. When your teen has finished answering these questions, a list of potential careers will be provided.

After the test, many career assessment tools also offer databases outlining potential careers and including details on career paths.

These quizzes ask your teen a range of questions about their interests and sources of inspiration. The tests will then offer a list of possible careers.

What not to do:

• Do not pressure teenagers to make decisions too soon, especially if they do not yet have career aspirations

• Do not generalization based on gender roles. Encourage both sexes to consider alternative career paths.

• Avoid passing unjust judgment. A thorough and imaginative process of investigation goes into choosing a career. Teenagers eventually come to terms with their own "dead ends" and re-establish their path toward practical employment.

You can read career-related blogs on TalktoAngel websites to hear all of the career counselors or expert career advice. Many Career Counsellors can point you in the right direction. View the list of resources for careers provided by TalktoAngel.

Contribution: Dr (Prof) R K Suri, Clinical Psychologist, life coach & mentor TalktoAngel & Ms. Swati Yadav Psychologist