Parents & Students
Youth face many of life's most important decisions during high school and college. Unfortunately, too many of these youth are unaware of the education and employment opportunities available or the connection between education and job opportunities. The information on which they base their early career decisions is often insufficient. Making informed career decisions requires reliable information about future opportunities.
Where do students get the information? Surprisingly, parents play the leading role in directing their children to a career path. Seventy-eight (78%) percent of students report that parents are primarily responsible for helping them plan for a career. Parents who provide guidance in developing career goals can play a critical role in the student's success by helping the child focus interests and skills.
Where do parents get the information? Parents are often well-informed on the options in their career field; but are unfamiliar with other opportunities and career paths. After all, most parents have been out of the education arena for quite some time. That is where Midlands Education and Business Alliance (MEBA) comes in. MEBA offers parents the information they need through workshops and resources.
Parents should encourage their child to consider all opportunities including non-traditional careers such as nursing for males and engineering for females.
Fast Facts
- The bias toward pursuing a degree from a four-year college is pervasive regardless of interests or preferred career.
- Students decisions are often based on personal interest as opposed to career opportunity. Very few students pick jobs based on availability and salary.
- 85% of twenty-first century jobs require postsecondary education.
- South Carolina high school dropout rate is approaching 50%.
- Technical colleges report that 25% of their students are four-year college graduates who are returning to the classroom to learn a skill.
Website devoted to helping adults with skills gap, additional education and enter the workforce http://www.shifting-gears.org
Download the "Your Child Is Job #1" Brochure
