Understanding our own values is key to building our lives and careers.
Careers Education is a lifelong journey and one that requires boys to be prepared to embrace change and lifelong learning; to lean into and continue to build their skillsets.
For many of us, the idea of change can be daunting, so understanding yourself and your values is key to building the life and career that gives you a strong sense of purpose. COVID has impacted our understanding of adaptability and the youth labour market significantly; creating greater volatility and opportunity simultaneously.
Accessing family networks and seeking to explore job types (outside of those boys may already be familiar with) through shadowing and internship opportunities is an important part of building an understanding of the world of work.
Recent employment figures and the Australian Jobs Report from 2022 indicate that boys have a bright future ahead of them if they can embrace change and recognise their own skills, wants, needs and values. In particular, service industries that rely on relationships and people, such as health, are predicted to grow in demand.
Giving boys the opportunity to articulate these issues and prompting careers conversations about their inspirations, strengths and values at home, have been found to be vital in building self-knowledge and a sense of optimism for the future. The Course and Careers Service at Scotch is here to assist boys as they seek to make choices about their futures.
Questions to initiate a career conversation at any age:
Skills and strengths
- What have you always been naturally good at?
- What are you known for?
Values
- Looking back, what’s always been most important to you?
- What issues or problems do you feel most strongly about?
- What are your top three values or things you hold most dear?
Interests
- What do you enjoy learning about most?
- How would you spend your time if you didn’t have to work/go to school?
- How do you like to work and learn best?
Scotch students and parents can find a number of great resources in the My Scotch Portal. For more information about current labour market predictions and career change, visit www.yourcareer.gov.au.
Ophelia Hopkins
Head of Future Pathways
