In this episode, I am thrilled to welcome Beth Probst to the show. Beth is the founder and CEO of At The Core. She has inspired parents of college-bound students to think strategically about how to select the best-fit college, major, and career so they don’t end up wasting precious time, energy, and money. In today’s episode, we’re focused on middle schoolers and why it’s not too early to be talking to them about careers. No, we’re not talking about helping them choose a career in middle school and stick with it. What we are talking about is starting to plant the seeds and open up the window to exploration and awareness. Students in middle school and even younger are exposed to careers every day, whether it’s through television, on the internet, or in real life. They see people working in education, medicine, retail, and other fields. And that’s helpful but what’s even more helpful is helping them learn more about themselves – what they enjoy, what they are good at, what they don’t enjoy, and what they can’t see themselves doing. During our conversation, Beth shares lots of helpful tips for parents to help get teenagers talking about careers. She also believes, as do I, that self-assessment is a huge part of the process. What about passion? Do teens need to have a passion in order to find a successful career? Stay tuned to hear Beth’s perspective on that.
About Beth Probst
Since 2012, Beth Probst, Founder and CEO of At The Core, has inspired parents of college-bound students to think strategically about how to select the best-fit college, major, and career so they don’t end up wasting precious time, energy, and money. Beth’s practical tips and stories from the trenches equip parents and students with information to eliminate the grasping and guessing and boost their confidence and clarity when making college-related decisions. Beth generously shares what students can do during high school to engage with their interests and take steps to leverage every opportunity before college.
Episode Highlights
- It is not too early to discuss careers with middle school students
- There is value in exploring with middle schoolers in an age-appropriate way
- The core of good decision-making for students comes from self-assessment
- Helping teens identify and understand what they enjoy, what they are good at
- Talk about strengths, struggles, values, preferences, lifestyle goals
- Parents need to be in non-biased, non-confrontational interview mode
- Shoulder-to-shoulder method can help teens to feel more comfortable talking
- The power of elimination is very helpful but should be used cautiously
- The word “because” brings out the nuggets of truth in career decision making
- Career exposure and exploration can be fun for teens and parents
- Help teens understand that they can have a vocation and also enjoy avocations
- There are many ways to have an impact on others and find meaning in careers
- How to get reluctant teens to talk about the future
- Its ok for teens not to have a passion
- A third-party adult can be helpful in getting teens to connect and open up
- Try to resist randomly suggesting careers to teens
- Have honest discussions about strengths, lifestyle goals, challenges, money, and post-high school education, and take notes for your teen
Links and Resources
Facebook: https://facebook.com/GetAtTheCore
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GetAtTheCore
Beth Probst LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethprobst/
At The Core LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/at-the-core-llc/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gettingatthecore/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvLBwUbaZvuB3sHUEfpW-hw
Website: https://www.gettingatthecore.com/
Weekly Newsletter: https://www.gettingatthecore.com/subscribe
12 Tips to Motivate My Teen: https://www.gettingatthecore.com/career
Summer opportunities: https://www.gettingatthecore.com/summer-opportunities/