With the job market more competitive than ever, many parents are looking for ways to help their kids find quality work right after graduating high school. From a lack of experience to uncertainty about career paths, young adults face many hurdles as they enter the workforce. Fortunately, there are ways parents can support their children in getting started with meaningful work and help them gain valuable experience along the way.
The Challenges Parents Face in Guiding Their Kids’ Careers
Every parent wants to see their kids succeed, but figuring out how to guide them toward quality job opportunities isn’t easy. A major issue parents face is that many entry-level positions require experience, which young people just out of high school or college don’t have yet. This requirement can make it difficult for new graduates to find jobs that align with their long and short-term career goals. On top of that, some young adults may be unsure of their career direction, making it hard for parents to advise them on a clear cut path.
To help their kids overcome these challenges, parents can encourage them to explore options that build experience and skills, such as apprenticeships or internships. Taking advantage of job-matching platforms that focus on skills rather than experience can also help young adults find a strong starting point without the limitations of an outdated resume system.
Encouraging Apprenticeships and Internships for Real-World Experience
One of the best ways parents can support their kids is by encouraging them to seek internships or apprenticeships. These opportunities offer hands-on experience in a real work environment, allowing young people to learn job-specific skills and gain exposure to different roles within an industry. Apprenticeships, especially in fields like technology, trades or healthcare, can be a more direct path to a long-term career, which can often lead to full-time employment.
Internships and apprenticeships help young adults understand the day-to-day responsibilities of a job and it gives them a chance to build their professional network. Many internships also offer mentorship opportunities, providing guidance and advice, which can have benefits in seeking and finding a meaningful career for a young adult who is still learning what they want to do right after graduation.
Focusing on Job Matching Over Traditional Resumes
With little to no work experience, building a traditional resume can be tough for young people. Job-matching systems that focus on skills and personal attributes can be an ideal alternative for those just starting out. These platforms assess what a young person brings to the table beyond work experience and can help them find roles where they’re likely to thrive based on their unique strengths.
Encouraging kids to explore job-matching platforms opens doors to roles that may not require lengthy resumes, allowing young adults to start building a career without feeling limited by a lack of experience. Parents can guide their children to these platforms, which can ease the pressure and uncertainty of trying to “sell” themselves solely on experience they may not yet have.
