Career guidance tips for teachers

Career Guidance Tips for Teachers Teachers play an important role in a student’s choice of a career. Most students are still unsure about what course to take when they go to college. Although as children they have expressed their liking for a certain career, their ambition is likely to change as they grow older.

When students reach high school, some of them are already aware of what they are interested in and n what field they will most likely excel. However, there are many who seem to just go with the flow according to what course their parents want them to take or what their friends are going to pursue. This is the time when they need most career guidance.

Here are some tips for teachers to effectively guide students to the right career path.

First, give students aptitude tests and personality tests to determine what kind of career would suit them. The results of these tests will give you a scientific basis for your recommendations. These tests will also serve as your support document when discussing with the student his career options.

Second, expose students to successful career people. It is common practice for career guidance counselors or supervisors to hold career guidance fair. In this event, invite successful people coming from different professions to talk to the students about their profession and work, especially their responsibilities and the demands of their career. This will make students aware of what lies ahead of them if they decide to pursue the same profession.

Third, tell the students to think well first before making a decision. Simply liking the idea of being a surgeon, a lawyer, a writer, an engineer or a social worker does not mean that you will succeed in any of these careers. As old people always advise the young, “always think first before you leap”. In addition, students who think that they have to follow the footsteps of their parents must be discouraged to pursue a certain career simply because it is what their parents do. A career is a lifetime engagement and you need to love it in order to be happy and contented.

Fourth, confer with the student’s parents and discuss with them their child’s interests, inclinations, and capabilities. The school and the home must work hand-in-hand to make sure that students will make the right decision when it comes to their career. Parents are a great influence to their children and it is uncommon for parents to push their child towards taking a career path that does not align with their intellectual capability, personality, talents, and skills. If the child is apt for a technicalvocational course, tell the parents. Most parents want their children to take degree programs even if they know that their child has better chances to succeed in a vocational or technical course.

Last, show your students that taking the right career path could result to happiness and contentment.

Set yourself as an example by proving to them that you relish your profession as a guidance counselor or supervisor. Students emulate their teachers and between you and their parents, they would most likely listen to you. By sharing with them your experience and wisdom, you will be able to make them realize how following their deepest desire could bring them a successful career and a successful life.