A Parent Handbook
for Career Development

Dear Parents,










You are, and will continue to be, the major influence in the lives of your children.
You know your child’s interests, abilities, goals and dreams better than anyone
else. You spend the most quality time with them and also have the strongest
interest in their well-being and success.







As children enter kindergarten and begin their journey through the educational
system, they are filled with dreams, excitement, challenges, and amazement in
the environment of the school setting. This is the time when children begin to
form opinions and attitudes that will remain with them throughout their lives. As
they progress through the educational system from elementary into middle/junior
high, to high school and into post high school education or work, parents have
the responsibility to help their children develop a positive self-image, know and
understand their individual skills, and assist them to relate these to effective
educational and career goal planning. The world of the 21st century will hold
challenges that we cannot imagine.

Research shows that family support is more important to school success than a
student’s IQ, economic status, or school setting. Children don’t need to be
geniuses to succeed. However, in our high-skill world, they need to understand
that knowledge, skills and attitudes are the keys to success in the 21st century.

The purpose of this handbook is to give you ideas and suggestions to enjoy the
adventure of exploring the many opportunities that are available to your children
today. One of the greatest gifts a parent can offer is to nurture a sense of hope
and excitement about the future. Discover what you can do to make a difference
at school and home, and the steps to insure your child’s future.

This important responsibility is shared by you and your child, and we hope you
will use this handbook to help pave the road to their dreams and their future
success.

Iroquois-Kankakee Counties Education to Careers Partnership
P. O. Box 671, 4 Dearborn Square
Kankakee, IL 60901
Phone: 815-929-2380 FAX: 815-935-8792




www.pathfinder.ikan.k12.il.us

1
Table of Contents


Introduction: Dear Parents...............................................................
1

Table of Contents............................................................................
2


The Times Are Changing

a) Employment Trends............................................................
3

b) What Has Changed...........................................................
4


Career Planning Timetable...............................................................
5-6

Parents - The Greatest Influence......................................................
7

What Parents Can Say....................................................................
8-9

How Parents Can Help Their Children

a) Develop Self-Confidence...................................................
10

b) Develop Goals ............................................................... ..
11

c) Develop Skills ................................................................

12-15


Exploring Careers is Fun...................................................................
16

a) Interest Inventory...................................................................
17


b) Career Clusters ................................................................
18

c) Category and Cluster Lists...................................................
19-24


How Parents Can Help Children Explore and Link to Occupations...............25-26
and Other Activities

More Information

Ten Tips for Success………………………………………………
27-28

Do’s and Don’ts…………………………………………………….
29

Conclusion

Dreams....................................................................................... 30


Resources.............................................................................................
31



2

Employment Trends



As employment opportunities rapidly change, they affect how we approach our
educational and long term career goals. There are many factors influencing the
job market our children will enter including the following:

•
Computers and other technologies influence virtually every aspect of our lives.

•
Many U.S. companies now operate in an international economy, thus

creating greater competition at home and abroad.


•

Individual achievement is being replaced by team focus. Strong

interpersonal skills are becoming an increasingly important condition for

employment.

•
Companies are streamlining for greater profitability with more focus on

temporary workers and part timers.

•
Skills needed to get and keep a job are continually changing; therefore,

all workers need to be dedicated to continuous, lifelong learning.

•
Rapidly developing technology has changed the tools of doing business
with more demand for specialists than generalists.

•
About 85% of all jobs in the future will require two years of

postsecondary technical training and/or four years of higher education.

•

Although many jobs have been eliminated, a new business is created

every eight seconds in the U.S.

•
Most people will change careers an average of seven times before they retire.

•
Employees must know and be able to communicate their skills, values,

interests, etc. People who take risks and think creatively will be valued

and rewarded.

3
What Has Changed


By 2000, only 15% of U.S. jobs will require a high school diploma or less, but
85% will require a minimum of two years postsecondary technical training or a
four year college degree to get a job. The job market has changed dramatically in
the last 50 years:



1950
60%-High school diploma or less
20%-4-year college degree


20%-2 year postsecondary technical
training
65%- 2 years postsecondary technical
trainig


2000
15%- High school diploma or less
20%-4-year college degree






Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

4
Career Planning Timetable




Early
Childhood

Birth-6
Developmental Tasks
• Establishing trust with significant others, especially parents
• Developing confidence in the ability to do things for themselves
Career Planning Tasks
•
Imagination, play, fantasy roles
Parental Involvement
• Discuss and encourage multiple options
• Use self as strong role model
•
Introduce child to diverse role models
• Encourage imaginative thinking
What Not To Do
• Do not perpetuate stereotypes and limitations
• Do not yet administer formal career assessment “testing”







Later
Childhood

Age 6-12
Developmental Tasks
• Formal education, projects, peer activities
• Wider circle of role models, strong same-sex friendships
• Able to concentrate longer, learn to read, think abstractly
Career Planning Tasks
• Fantasy, growth stage
• Apply themselves to school work and chores
• Demanding school work and social expectations
Parental Involvement
• Maintain position as positive role model and provide consistent
encouragement of diverse alternatives
• Help with homework and school projects
• Establish routine chores, allowance, odd jobs, and bank accounts
What Not To Do
• Do not let odd jobs get in the way of academic success
• Do not get discouraged when experimentation produces an apparent lack
of focus and commitment





Early
Adolescence

Ages 12-14


Developmental Tasks
• Adapt to self-image, egocentrism, “all eyes on me”
• Adapt to physical and hormonal changes
Career Planning Tasks
• First jobs (e.g., paper route, baby sitting)
•
Interests emerge through extracurricular activities
• Transition to high school
Parental Involvement
• Maintain position as positive role model, empathize
• Support and maintain early work experience
• Maintain active role in school activities
• Praise development of abilities and responsible behavior
What Not To Do
• Do not make disparaging remarks about appearance or motivation
• Do not downplay social dilemmas and teenage concerns
• Do not do their after-school work for them

5
Career Planning Timetable (cont.)











Later
Adolescence

Ages 15-17



Developmental Tasks
• Work through nonconformity, self-awareness
• Development of unique identity
• Self-consciousness subsides
• Relationships develop
Career Planning Tasks
• Part-time work
• Tentative career choices, exploration of options
• Decisions about college, post-high school plans
Parental Involvement
• Discuss potential consequence of decisions
•
Introduce to contacts, informational interviews
• Help them work through life balance issues - how to succeed at school,
at work, and with social relationships
What Not To Do
• Do not dismiss their ideas for the future
• Do not force your ideas for colleges and majors
• Do not assume they no longer need your involvement










Young
Adulthood

Ages 18-22
Developmental Tasks
•
Independence
• Development of unique, separate identity
• Strong relationships and connections with others
Career Planning Tasks
• High school graduation
• College, entry into workforce
• Professional development and identification with work
• Trial and error
Parental Involvement
• Support decisions
• Encourage contingency plans and ongoing development
• Express pride and empathy
• Welcome assistance of other mentors and role models
What Not To Do
• Do not say “I told you so” if something doesn’t work out
• Do not enable young adults to do nothing, encourage independence



6
Source: Career Coaching Your Kids, David H. Montrose, Theresa Kane, and Robert
Ginn.Davis-Black Publishing, 1997.
Parents - The Greatest Influence

Parents have the greatest influence over their children’s career choices.
Children need guidance to choose the best educational and career path, and
parents are in the best position to help them.

•
You have the best knowledge of your child’s interests and abilities.
•

You have the strongest interest for their well-being and success.
•

You spend time with your children; therefore, you can help

cultivate a variety of career considerations.

•

You are their first role models.

•

You can instill a positive view of all kinds of work and career planning.



Home: The First Workplace


Sharing responsibilities and making decisions at home develop work skills at an
early age. When children learn to resolve problems and work as a team within
their family structure, they develop important work skills.





Action Steps to Help Your Child Develop Important Work Skills:

√ Planning family meals for a week.
√ Setting up and organizing a family outing.
√ Discussing how problem situations are resolved.

Be a role model. Children learn by example, and by doing. Allow the home to be
their first, positive work environment.



7
What Parents Can Say

?
Hop
es
Fut
ure
Dreams
Goals



Parents can nurture a sense of hope and excitement about the many
opportunities their children have in the world of work. This is one of the greatest
gifts you can give your children. Therefore, it’s important that you, as a parent,
talk with your children. Here are some ideas for conversation:

• Discuss their goals, dreams and hopes for the future. Allow their imaginations
to soar, never discouraging the flight.

• Ask your child what interesting jobs he or she has seen or experienced. Find
out what your child thinks is good or bad about the job. Discuss the training
needed for that particular career.

• Tell your children what you like or dislike about your current or past jobs. If
you have changed jobs or careers over the years, talk about what has
changed and why. Describe your education, training and skills.

Talk to adult friends and extended family members about their career choices
and education/training. Ask if your child can visit the work site and learn more
about their jobs.





8
What Parents Can Say (cont.)

What if my child does not seem interested
in career planning?

Decisions about the future may be overwhelming to your child. Each child
develops interests and makes decisions according to his or her own timetable.
Also, career planning/lifework planning is not a “one-size-fits-all” process.

It is not unusual for a child to change his or her mind often about career choices.
Keep in mind that most workers will change careers an average of seven times
throughout their working lives. Your own career may have gone through several
changes or evolutions.







Remember, you do not need to drill your child about career plans. You can simply
ask your child about his or her interests, or likes and dislikes. You can then use
the discussion as a springboard to talking about how these things might be
important to future career plans.

Eventually, your son or daughter will want to make a decision about how to earn
a living as an adult. When your child is ready to talk about the future, be prepared
to discuss the various decisions which must be made. Sometimes good career
planning may be as simple as just being available for your child.

9

How Parents Can Help Their Children
Develop Self Confidence



Self-Confidence or faith in oneself is
needed to achieve success in school,
make good career decisions and
responsible life choices. Parents can
their child develop that all important
confidence.

For instance:
• Provide positive reinforcement whenever possible; reward and praise your
child’s achievements.
• Teach your child the power of wise decision making; you can show how good
judgment leads to positive results by setting up achievable goals and tasks
(saving money for a large purchase, for instance).
• Become active in your child’s choice of friends and activities; encouraging
positive friendships and participation in constructive activities; attend sporting
events, plays and recitals. Drive them to movies, concerts and other outings.
• Be active in your child’s school career. A student will take school - and the
future, more seriously knowing that his or her parents are attending
conferences, job fairs, career nights and school board meetings.

Lift Limitations
• Encourage your child to explore his or her own interests, capabilities and
dreams. When children are excited about their future, they’ll naturally develop
the drive and persistence needed to make dreams come true.
• Keep an open positive mind to their choices. The opportunities available to
today’s children are greatly different from what was available to you, their
parents.
• Encourage your child to imagine how things will change in his or her lifetime.

Discuss Success
Success can be defined in many ways: personal expression, self-fulfillment,
family connections, financial independence, career achievement, social standing
or community involvement, among others. A successful career is measured by
much more than dollar signs or academic degrees. It is important for you to help
your child define what success means to him or her, and then help your child find
a way to achieve it.

10
How Parents Can Help Their Children
Develop Goals

If children are to succeed, they need goals and accountability to achieve
these goals. Maintaining clear and achievable expectations of both your
child and the school he or she attends will ensure success.


Action Steps for Higher Expectations and Better
Students:


√ Require your child to do age-appropriate chores around the house.

√ Model responsible behavior.
√ Make certain that schools maintain high expectations for academic
performance.

√ Ask for a clear articulation of skills and knowledge being taught in the
schools.

√ Check to see that schools are focusing on essentials skills.

√ Ask your children about their school day, what they learned, and about
homework.

√ Work with teachers to set high goals for your child.

Call the teacher, if necessary, to find out assignments.
√

√ Look over assignments well before bedtime. Check for attention to detail,
completeness, and little things such as the child’s name at the top of the
page.

√ Praise both the finished product and the diligence it took your child to get
there. Go over teachers’ comments together.

√ Discuss family schedules to allow children to plan homework, For teenagers,
keep in mind that complex assignments require coordination.

√ Support school activities. Volunteer to chaperone, be a room-parent or a field
trip coordinator.

Quattrociocchi, Susan M. and Peterson, Barbara. Giving Children Hope and Skills for the 21st
Century. 1996.
.

11
How Parents Can Help Their Children
Develop Skills

When we help develop our children’s skills, we help them develop the traits they’ll
need for success in both school and the work place. A skill is the capacity to do
something well. Many of the skills we develop at home and at school -
mathematics, reading, writing, interpersonal communication, manual dexterity
and artistic skills, for instance, are the same skills needed for success in the job
market.

Increase Reading Levels


A higher reading level directly correlates to a higher income. Educational experts
all agree that reading skills are even more dependent on home activities than
math or science skills. That’s why it is important to read aloud to children each
and every day. The U.S. Department of Education estimates that if adults spent
one hour reading or helping with schoolwork five days a week, the value to our
children would double the current $230 billion dollars spent each year on
education.

Action Steps for Better Readers


√ Spend 20 minutes a day reading to preschoolers.
√ Have older children read to you, or take turns reading.
√ Discuss the content of what you (or they) have read.
√ Tell stories, encouraging children to retell the story to foster call/recall skills.
√ Let kids see you read at least 20 minutes a day.
√ Keep lots of quality reading material around the house.
√ Ask librarians for recommendations of good books.
√ Encourage fifth through ninth graders to read Newberry Award-winning
books.

* Quattrociocchi and Peterson

12
Parents Can Help Their Children
Develop Skills (cont.)

Math Mastery

A familiarity with high school math is a must for workers in the 21st century. This
means being able to measure, calculate fractions, use percents and decimals,
make comparisons, complete word problems, and mastery of algebra and
geometry concepts.

According to educators, other important skills include: rounding off numbers,
estimating, looking for patterns, illustrating mathematical problems, breaking
tasks into smaller units, working backwards toward an answer, and eliminating
possibilities to arrive at ultimate solutions. All these can be made into games
during time spent with children.

The U.S. Department of Education reports that there is a strong correlation in
children’s math test scores with three surprisingly non-mathematical factors:
regular school attendance, plenty of reading materials in the home, and limited
television watching.


Action Steps for Better Math Scores



√ Explain fractions and measurements while cooking.
√
Illustrate percentages with pennies and dollars.
√ Keep a chart of daily temperatures.
√ Play simple math games such as “how far is it?”
√ Have your child check the grocery receipt, including calculating prices.
√ Model persistence and pleasure with mathematics.
√ Make math a part of family routines.

* Quattrociocchi and Peterson

13
How Parents Can Help Their Children
Develop Skills (cont.)

SKILLS come in many forms. Some are specific and easy to demonstrate, like
reading and mathematics. Others are not as easy to demonstrate, like getting
along with others, solving problems, making decisions, and being a team player.
These are equally important to employers trying to compete in an ever-changing
economic landscape.
Action Steps for Better Thinking Skills
???
Have your child:
√ Act as navigator on a family outing.
√ Follow a new recipe.
√ Learn the rules of a game by following directions.
√ Build a model using schematics.
√ Experience the consequences of a decision.
* Quattrociocchi and Peterson


Action Steps for Better Team Players
√
Involve children in family discussions or decisions, as appropriate for their
age and maturity level.
√ Give kids important jobs to do within the family.
√ Teach them to get along with others.
√ Emphasize that learning takes place in groups, whether on school projects or
team activities such as sports, music, theater or volunteer programs.
√ Practice mature conflict resolution.
√ Recognize that others depend on them, and they depend on others.
√ Help children develop good interpersonal and social skills.
* Quattrociocchi and Peterson

14
How Parents Can Help
Their Children Develop Skills

The forces of technology and global competition have caused the creation of brand new jobs,
and with these jobs comes the need to develop brand new skills. More than ever before,
people must rely on acquiring and developing skills in order to be successful in the job
market. Also, an important element in the jobs of tomorrow is the ability to work comfortably
with technology. Encourage your child to experiment with different technologies and to
become proficient with computers.




Action Steps for Skill Development:

√ Expect all homework and school assignments to be done completely, and neatly.
√
Give praise for a job well done, and discuss jobs done incompletely.
and on time.
√ Help children be punctual for school and other appointments.
√ When you have to stay late for work, explain to your child that sometimes you, too have to
sacrifice to do a good job.

√ Demonstrate how to perform household tasks properly.
√ Maintain high standards for chores around the house.

√
Introduce your child to all aspects of a technical field, including business, artistic, social and
customer service perspectives.
√ Discuss new technologies and how they change our lives.
√ Work with schools to see that creative, mathematical, scientific, and people skills are taught.
√ Encourage your child to brainstorm solutions to technical and human problems.
√ Encourage your child to think critically, questioning purpose and logic, while following through
with his/her creative, constructive solutions.
√ Discuss ways to improve products, processes and services with your children.
* Quattrociocchi and Peterson



15

Exploring Career Clusters is Fun

With more than 30,000 different careers in this country, it is often difficult for young people to focus
their varying interests and to learn about the numerous opportunities available in the world of work.
Dividing the job market into Career Clusters helps students view future job possibilities more clearly
and makes the career decision-making process much easier.

What Are Career Clusters?

Career Clusters are occupations that are grouped together because so many people in these
professions share similar interests and strengths. Clusters include numerous occupations that
require varying degrees of education and training. Selecting a Career Cluster provides students with
an area of focus along with flexibility and a variety of opportunities to pursue. By choosing a Career
Cluster, a student can prepare for the future regardless of his or her specific abilities, goals, or level of
education. When a student decides on a Career Cluster, he or she is not making a permanent
commitment; that student is merely exploring the multiple possibilities in that particular field.

The process of exploring Career Clusters with your child is fun,
so let’s get started!



Guide your child through this exercise.

Step One: Get to know yourself, a simple interest inventory for students! Have your child identify
his/her interests, abilities, and talents by answering the questions on page 17. They simply circle as
many activities and qualities that sound interesting to them. At the bottom of each box, add the total
umber of activities circled.
n


Step Two: Match the highest number with the corresponding Career Clusters on page 18.



#1 Arts and Communications



#2 Business, Management, and Computer Technology



#3 Health Services



#4 Human Services



#5 Engineering and Industrial Technology


$6 Natural Resources/ Environmental Sciences


Step Three: Begin to look at careers! Consider careers in each cluster in relation to your child’s
strengths. Look at the list of careers on pages 19-24. Find out more about those that are most
interesting through research, job shadowing, part-time jobs, internships, and interviewing
professionals.






16
GET TO KNOW YOURSELF! - CAREER SURVEY

ACTIVITIES THAT SOUND INTERESTING
1.
reading or writing stories or articles
2.
designing and building scenery for play
3.
taking photographs
4.
acting in a play or movie
5.
listening to/ playing music
6.
designing clothing, brochures and/ or posters

MY PERSONAL QUALITIES
1.
imaginative
2.
creative
3.
outgoing
4.
expressive
5.
performer

IN MY FREE TIME I WOULD ENJOY
1.
working on the school paper or yearbook
2.
acting in a play
3.
painting pictures, drawing

SCHOOL SUBJECTS/ ACTIVITIES THAT I
ENJOY OR DO WELL IN
1.
social studies
2.
choir/ chorus/ band
3.
creative writing
4.
art
Total # circled: †1

Career Cluster:_____________________

ACTIVITIES THAT SOUND INTERESTING
1.
interviewing people
2.
using computer programs
3.
winning a sales contest
4.
being captain/ leader of a team
5.
working with numbers
6.
dealing with money

MY PERSONAL QUALITIES
1.
practical
2.
independent
3.
organized
4.
leader
5.
like to be around people

IN MY FREE TIME I WOULD ENJOY
1.
being in a speech contest or debate
2.
surfing the Internet
3.
starting my own business

SCHOOL SUBJECTS/ ACTIVITIES THAT I
ENJOY OR DO WELL IN
1.
speech
2.
language
3.
math
4. marketing
Total # circled: †2

Career Cluster:_____________________

ACTIVITIES THAT SOUND INTERESTING
1.
preparing medicines in a pharmacy
2.
helping sick people
3.
working with animals
4.
helping with sports injuries
5.
studying anatomy and disease
6.
performing surgery

MY PERSONAL QUALITIES
1.
compassionate and caring
2.
good listener
3.
good at following directions carefully
4.
conscientious and careful
5.
patient

IN MY FREE TIME I WOULD ENJOY
1.
volunteering in a hospital
2.
taking care of pets
3.
exercising and taking care of myself

SCHOOL SUBJECTS/ ACTIVITIES THAT I
ENJOY OR DO WELL IN
1.
math
2.
science
3.
biology
4.
chemistry
Total # circled: †3

Career Cluster:_____________________


ACTIVITIES THAT SOUND INTERESTING
1.
helping people solve problems
2.
working with kids
3.
working with elderly people
4.
preparing food
5.
being involved in politics
6.
solving a mystery

MY PERSONAL QUALITIES
1.
friendly
2.
open
3.
outgoing
4.
good at making decisions
5.
good listener

IN MY FREE TIME I WOULD ENJOY
1.
helping to solve my friends problems
2.
helping with a community project
3.
coaching/ tutoring kids

SCHOOL SUBJECTS/ ACTIVITIES THAT I
ENJOY OR DO WELL IN
1.
language arts
2.
history
3.
speech
4.
math
Total # circled: †4

Career Cluster:_____________________

ACTIVITIES THAT SOUND INTERESTING
1.
putting things together
2.
designing buildings
3.
working on cars, mechanical things
4.
using advanced math to solve problems
5.
fixing something that is broken
6.
using tools

MY PERSONAL QUALITIES
1.
practical
2.
like using my hands
3.
logical
4.
good at following instructions
5.
observant

IN MY FREE TIME I WOULD ENJOY
1.
building models
2.
drawing sketches of cars, mechanical things
3.
inventing a new product

SCHOOL SUBJECTS/ ACTIVITIES THAT I
ENJOY OR DO WELL IN
1.
math
2.
geometry
3.
woodworking
4.
science
Total # circled: †5

Career Cluster:_____________________

ACTIVITIES THAT SOUND INTERESTING
1.
being out of doors
2.
predicting or measuring earthquakes
3.
growing flowers/ trees, gardening
4.
studying rocks and minerals
5.
raising fish or other animals
6.
working in a chemistry lab

MY PERSONAL QUALITIES
1.
curious
2.
nature lover
3.
physically active
4.
problem solver
5.
observant

IN MY FREE TIME I WOULD ENJOY
1.
camping
2.
going to a nature trail
3.
experimenting with a chemistry set

SCHOOL SUBJECTS/ ACTIVITIES THAT I
ENJOY OR DO WELL IN
1.
math
2.
geography
3.
biology
4.
geometry
Total # circled: †6

Career Cluster:_____________________


17
Career Clusters



(1) Arts and Communications
Occupations in this path are related to the humanities and the performing, visual,
literary, and media arts. These may include architecture, interior design, creative
writing, fashion design, film, fine arts, graphic arts, graphic design and
production, journalism, languages, radio, television, advertising, and public
relations.

(2) Business, Mgmt., and Computer Technology
Occupations in this path are related to the business environment. These may
include entrepreneurship, sales, marketing, computer/information systems,
finance, accounting, personnel, economics, and management.

(3) Health Services
Occupations in this path are related to the promotion of health and the treatment
of disease. These may include research, prevention, treatment, and related
technologies.

(4) Human Services
Occupations in this path are related to economic, political, and social systems.
These may include education, government, law and law enforcement, leisure and
recreation, delivery, military, religion, child care, social services, and personal
services.

(5) Engineering and Industrial Technology
Occupations in this path are related to the technologies necessary to design,
develop, install, and maintain physical systems. These may include engineering,
manufacturing, construction, service, and related technologies.

(6) Natural Resources/ Environmental Sciences
Occupations in this path are related to agriculture, the environment, and natural
resources. These may include agricultural sciences, earth science,
environmental sciences, fisheries, forestry, horticulture, and wildlife.






18

Career Possibilities in
Arts and Communications (1)



Communications Occupations

Audio-Visual Specialist
Broadcast Technician
Communications Manager
Editor
Interpreter/ Translator
Public Relations Specialist
Radio/ TV Announcer
Reporter
Writer



Performing Arts Occupations

Actor
Choreographer
Coaches/ Instructors
Composer
Dancer
Model
Musician
Producer/ Director
Professional Athlete



Visual Arts Occupations

Animator
Artist
Designer
Fashion Designer
Floral Designer/ Florist
Graphic/ Commercial Artist
Interior Designer
Jeweler/ Silversmith
Motion Picture Projectionist
Photographer




19
Career Possibilities in Business Management
and Computer Technology (2)
Administrative Support, including Clerical
Bank Teller
Cashier
Court Clerk
Data Entry Keyer
Dispatcher, Emergency Vehicles
Insurance Adjuster/ Examiner
Medical Secretary
Payroll Clerk
Receptionist
Title Examiner/ Searcher

Computer, Mathematical, and Operations
Research Occupations
Actuary
Computer Programmer
Computer Systems Analyst
Credit Analyst
Internet Executive
Mathematician
Statistician
Webmaster

Executive, Administrative and Managerial
Accountant/ Auditor
Administrative Services Manager
Budget Analyst
Education Administrator
Entrepreneur
Financial/ Securities Manager
Food Services Manager
Hotel/ Motel Manager
Human Resources Manager
Loan Officer/ Counselor
Management Analyst
Marketing, Advertising and
Public Relations Manager
Medicine and Health Service Manager
Office Manager
Office Worker/ Clerical Supervisor
Personnel, Training, and Labor Relations
Manager
Postmaster
Property and Real Estate Manager
Purchasing Agent/ Manager
Supply Chain/ Logistics
Underwriter
Recreation Facilities Manger
Retail Sales Manager/ Supervisor

Marketing and Sales Occupations
Advertising Sales Agent
Insurance Sales
Real Estate Sales Agent/ Broker
Sales Representative
Travel Agent

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Career Possibilities in
Health Services (3)



Health Assistants
Dental Assistant
Home Health Aides
Medical Assistant
Nurse Assistant
Occupational Therapy Assistant
Pharmacist Assistant
Psychiatric Aide



Health Diagnosis, Assessment and Treatment
Audiologist
Chiropractor
Dentist
Occupational Therapist
Osteopath
Pharmacist
Pharmacologist
Physical Therapist
Physician
Physician’s Assistant
Recreational Therapist
Registered Nurse
Respiratory Therapist
Speech Pathologist
Surgeon



Health Technologists and Technicians
Cardiology Technologist
Dental Hygienist
Dental Laboratory Technician
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
Dialysis Technician
Electrocardiograph Technician
Emergency Medical Technician
Licensed Practical Nurse
Medical/ Clinical Laboratory Technician
Medical Technologist
Nuclear Medicine Technologist
Optician, Dispensing and Measuring
Psychiatric Technician
Radiographer/ Radiological Technologist
Surgical Technician / Technologist


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Career Possibilities in
Human Services (4)


Education
Child Care Provider
Education Administrator
Elementary Teacher
Librarian
Preschool Teacher
Secondary Teacher
Special Education Teacher
Teacher Aides/ Paraprofessionals
Vocational Education Teacher
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
Food and Beverage Preparation Service
Baker/ Bread and Pastry
Butcher/ Meat Cutter
Chef
Dietitian/ Nutritionist
Food Preparation Worker
Food Service/ Lodging Manager
Hostess
Waiter/ Waitress
Government/ Non-Profit
Elected Officials
Foreign Ambassador
Legislative Assistants
Non-Profit Administrators
Legal Occupations
Clerk
Judge
Lawyer
Paralegal
Personal Service Occupations
Flight Attendants
Funeral Director/ Mortician
Hairdresser/ Cosmetologist/ Barber
Nail Technician
Professional Organizer
Protective Service Occupations
Correctional Officer
Fire Fighter
Guard/ Security Officer
Police Officer/ Detective
Private Investigator


Religious Occupations
Clergy
Social Scientists and Urban Planners
Archeologist
Archivist/ Curator
Economist
Political Scientist
Psychologist
Sociologist
Social Service Occupations
Recreation Worker
Social Service Worker








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Career Possibilities in Engineering
and Industrial Technology (5)
Architects, Surveyors and Cartographers
Architect
Geographer
Surveyor
Construction Trades and Extractive Occupations
Brickmason
Carpenter
Carpet Installer
Construction Manager
Electrician
Glazier
Insulation Worker
Painter/ Paperhanger
Plasterer
Plumber/ Pipefitter
Roofer
Sheet Metal Worker
Engineering and Engineering Technology
Aerospace/ Aeronautical Engineer
Chemical Engineer
Civil Engineer
Computer-Aided Design Technician
Computer Engineer
Drafter
Electrical Engineer
Flight Engineer
Mechanical Engineer
Metallurgical Ceramic/ Materials Engineer
Mining Engineer
Nuclear Engineer
Pollution Control
Solar Energy Systems Designer
Machinists and Industrial Production Occupations
Boilermaker
Electroplating Machine Operator/ Setter
Laundry/ Dry-Cleaning Machine Operator
Machinist
Millwright
Numerical Control Machine Setup Operator
Sewing Machine Operator, Garment
Tool and Die Maker
Welder/ Cutter
Welding Machine Operator
Mechanics, Installers and Repairers
Aircraft Mechanic
Automotive Body Repairer
Automobile Mechanic
Diesel Engine Mechanic
Electronics Repairer
Farm Equipment Mechanic
Heating, Air-Conditioning, and Refrigeration
Mechanic
Heavy Equipment Mechanic
Industrial Machinery Mechanic
Laser Technician
Line Installer/ Repairer
Marine Engine Mechanic
Office Machine Repairer
Robotics Technician
Small Engine Specialist
Telephone Technician
Upholsterer
Wireless Technician
Plant and Systems Operators
Line Supervisors and Managers
Power Generating Plant Operator

Production Inspectors/ Quality Control
Water and Sewage Treatment Plant Operator

Printing Occupations
Lithograph Press Operator
Photoengraving/ Lithographing Machine Operator

Photographic Process Worker
Typesetting Machine Operator

Transportation and Material Moving Occupations
Airplane Pilot
Helicopter Pilot
Inbound Tour Guide
Truck Driver

23

Career Possibilities in
Environment/Natural Resources (6)

Agriculture/ Forestry/ Fishing Occupations

Agronomist
Animal Caretaker
Animal Scientist
Artificial Breeding Distributor
Biological/ Agricultural Technologist
Farm Machinery Operator
Farm Manager
Farmer
Fish and Game Warden
Forestry Worker
Gardener/ Groundskeeper
Horticulturist
Landscape Gardener
Nursery Manager
Nursery Worker



Life Scientists

Agriculturist and Food Scientist
Anatomist
Biochemist
Biochemistry Technologist
Biological Scientist
Botanist
Environmental Scientist
Forester/ Conservation Scientist
Geneticist
Microbiology Technologist
Soil Conservationist
Veterinarian
Zoologist



Physical Scientists

Astronomer
Chemist
Geologist
Meteorologist
Weather Observer






24

How Parents Can Help Their Children
Explore and Link to Occupations...

There are a variety of ways to assist your student in exploring his or
her career cluster.

Action Steps to Help Your Child Explore Career Options:
√ Take your child on field trips to the library, zoo, museum, park or botanical
garden. Interesting jobs and job skills are demonstrated at each of these
locations.

√ Read stories to your child which involve characters in traditional and
nontraditional jobs. These stories can provide a springboard for discussing
lifework planning.

√ Discuss with your child the various jobs you read about or see being
performed while on outings.

√ Check out the public library for books, videos and other career planning
resources. Many public libraries now offer free access to the Internet.

Part-Time Jobs
The job your son or daughter performs after school or on weekends is a very
important first step on their lifelong career path. Part time jobs give emphasis and
relevance to the many skills needed in the world of work, such as promptness,
dependability, hard work, honesty, communication, and the ability to follow
directions.

Action Steps for Part -Time Jobs
√ Encourage your child to choose a job that matches his or her interests or
strengths.
√ Encourage him or her to explore different kinds of jobs to get a feel of various
work situations.
√ Check with your child’s school counselor to see if your school offers credit for
work activities.





25
How Parents Can Help Their Children
Explore Other Activities...


Since we spend so much of our adult life at work, it is important to choose a
career that is personally satisfying. Sometimes a chosen field turns out to be
something we dislike. Encourage your children to explore a field before pursuing
it through work based learning. Work-based learning experiences are practical,
effective ways of linking your child to occupations. Work-based learning can:

Link to real-world occupations ( e.g. ) A love of drawing can lead to a career in
graphic arts, illustration, printing or fine arts; a fascination with computer games can
lead to a career in software design, computer animation, programming and
multimedia.
Link interest to school (e.g.) Show your child how fun activities and hobbies are related
to what is taught in classes. For instance, hiking and fishing can be linked to biology;
games and sports to health and physical education; and computer games to math.

Expose a student to the world of work at a very early age (e.g.) Even very young

children can visit the work site with parents or understand simple descriptions about

what people can do for a living.

Action steps for work based learning:


√ Field Trips (organized group visits to work sites)

√ Job Shadowing (short terms visits to a work site)

√ Mentorship (a worker is matched with a student who shares similar career
interests)

√
Internships (extended placement in a work site)

√ Service Learning/Volunteering (work as a volunteer on special projects
which benefit the community)

√ Entrepreneurships (students run their own business)

√ Youth Apprenticeships (schools and employees team up to bring
together classroom learning, formal on-the-job training and work experience
leading to a certification of accomplishment for students 16 years and older)



26



Ten Tips To Prepare Your Child For a
Successful Career

1. Encourage your child to investigate a variety of careers. Talk about work and
your own job at the dinner table. Talk with friends and relatives about work when
your children are present.






2. Stress to your child that school is their work and that attendance is important.
You don’t take a day off from work just because you feel like it and the same
goes for school.

3. Explore with your child, without being judgmental, her or his personal talents,
strengths, likes and dislikes.






What do you like to do?







What skills do you have?






Do you like being around people?





Do you prefer working outdoors or indoors?





Do you like to take things apart?





Do you prefer school courses with a lot of doing or with a lot of reading?
(The more children know about themselves, the easier it will be for them to
recognize the careers that suit them best.)

4. Help your child experience, first hand, as many different work situations as
possible. Through school, your employer, friends and relatives, encourage your
child to take advantage of both formal and informal work exposure programs.

5. Provide as many opportunities as you can for your son or daughter to learn
technology. Emphasize the importance of technology for success in the
workplace. Give them a chance to take a hands-on look at the tools, techniques
and skills involved in a range of technology careers.

6. Encourage your schools to expose students to career choices. Work through
your parent-teacher organization or ask teachers and administrators directly to
provide students with career fairs, field trips and class speakers who focus on
careers and career paths. Go with your child to career fairs. Find out what
career information is available through their school. Many schools maintain
extensive career reference libraries, including computerized resources. See if
your student’s guidance counselor can give him or her a career interest test.
Finding a career focus has a big payoff. If your child is doing well, a career focus

27
Ten Tips To Prepare Your Child For a
Successful Career (cont.)

can make selecting a college and choosing a major easier. If your child is
struggling in school, a career focus can add purpose to his or her studies and
give grades a lift.

7.
Talk to your child about a career as a goal of education. It’s okay that
children usually don’t know what they want to do for the rest of their lives. What’s
not okay is avoiding thinking about future career goals altogether. Preparing for
a career is part of what education is about. Don’t let your son or daughter get
shortchanged.


8.
Guide your child toward acquiring skills. Every employment opportunity
requires people to use both head and hand skills. Encourage your child to take
courses that give him or her the opportunity to apply skills - like keyboarding,
automotive technology, accounting, graphic design, construction, journalism, and
marketing. These skills are equally important to both college-bound and non-
college bound children.


9.
Give your child responsibility, the more the better. Begin with jobs around
the house or for a neighbor or an older relative. Young people need to learn that
we all have to carry our own weight, that we’re all important and that people rely
on us to get things done.


10. Suggest that your child consider career opportunities that were once
considered only for males or only for females. There are often excellent job
opportunities are often available for persons entering nontraditional career fields.
It may take extra commitment to cross gender lines, but there are rewards.



BONUS TIP!!!! Keep your sense of humor. No matter how hard we try to point
our sons or daughters in the right direction, we can’t live their lives for them. So
keep your approach light. Be persistent in presenting opportunities; be relaxed in
expecting outcomes. Avoid being judgmental.


28

Do’s and Don’ts




Do

1. Express high but realistic expectations.
2. Make sure your student attends school regularly.
3. Encourage your student to take challenging courses.
4. Make sure your child completes all homework.
5. Help your child with class scheduling when possible.
6. Encourage a well rounded education, including academic and
professional/technical courses.
7. Monitor out-of school activities, especially teen jobs.
8. Encourage volunteerism, job shadowing or internships if possible
during high school.



Don’t

1. Don’t underestimate your child. Don’t let your student do sloppy or
incomplete work, either at home or at school.
2. Don’t let your child skip school or duck obligations.
3. Don’t think that grades are more important than skills.
4. Don’t let anything come before your child’s education.
5. Don’t let your teen plan his or her class schedule at the last minute.
6. Don’t let your student’s education be lopsided; balance is the key.
7. Don’t let your teen work more than 15-20 hours per week in a paid job.
8. Don’t assume that an A or B grade proves your child has mastered
skills.
9. Don’t choose your teen’s career.
10.Don’t fill out forms for your child when he or she begins the application
process for college.
11.Don’t write your teens application essays.
12.Don’t assume that your teen’s future goals reflect on you. They don’t.
13.Don’t forget who is applying for college.
14.Don’t automatically assume that a college degree guarantees success.
A Call to Parents, produced by Bellevue Community College Printing Services

29

Dreams...



A final thought...

Parents, dream with your child. Research indicates that the happiest people live
according to their own values, with a clear sense of who they are. They
expect to have a positive impact on the world and they view their work as
meaningful. Rather than following a traditional “career path,” they create their
own work life, starting with a dream, filling in with skills, and persisting until
they get what they want.

The world of work is changing before our eyes. A four-year college degree no
longer guarantees a high paying job. Gone is the near security of lifetime
employment that our parents and grandparents enjoyed, with high wages, full
benefits, pensions, and guaranteed retirement. American students today
enter a work environment changed forever by machines and computers, by
demands to make high profits, and by the ability to have goods produced and
assembled in any country where the price is right and the workers are
available.

Since there are no absolute tickets to lifelong security, the best strategy is to
figure out a “bigger picture”. Children need to consider the talents they’re
most proud of, the activities that give them the most pleasure, and the
technical skills needed to do their chosen work. Then, they must look for a
way to make a living with these interests, and with your encouragement follow
through until they get there!

Source: Information for Adults About the Future World of Work for Parents and Teens , Susan
Quattrociocchi, Ph.D. (www.pbs.org/jobs/money.html)







30
For More Information
Sources:
A Call for Parents. Bellevue Community College Printing Services.1997

Many Doors to Opportunity: Exploring Tomorow’s Careers. Minnesota
School to Work. Minnesota Children, Family and Learning, and Minnesota
Workforce Center System.

Montrose, David H. ,Theresa E. Kane, and Robert J. Ginn. Career Coaching
Your Kids: Guiding Your Child Through the Process of Career
Development. Palo Alto, CA: Davies-Black Publishing.1997.

Parent’s Guide to Career Development for Middle/ High School Students.
Wisconsin Career Information System, Madison, Wisconsin.1995

Quattrociocchi, Susan M., and Barbara Peterson Giving Children Hope and
Skills for the 21st Century.1996.
________________________________________________________________
Websites:
America’s Job Bank


www.ajb.dni.us
Career City



www.careercity.com
Career Explorer



http://usa.cx.bridges.com

ID code:0001693)



Password:wrharper
Career Magazine



www.careermag.com
Career Mosaic



www.careermosaic.com
Career Partnership


www.ed2careers.com
Career Path



www.careerpath.com
Career Web



www.careerweb.com
E-Span




www.espan.com
Horizons:Internet CIS


www.ioicc.state.il.us/etc.htm

ID code : iletc



password: etc99
Kids and Jobs



www.pbs.org/jobs/
Monster Board



www.monster.com
U.S. Department of Education

www.edgov:80/
Virtual Job Fair



www/vjf.com

This book has been brought to you by the Iroquois-Kankakee Counties
Education to Careers Partnership. For further information contact Janice Miller
at :
P. O. Box 671, 4 Dearborn Square
Kankakee, IL 60901
Phone: 815-929-2380 Fax: 815-935-8792
www.pathfinder.ikan.k12.il.us

31