My child has no career ideas

It's not unusual for young people to have no ideas about the job they would like to do.

What to focus on

It's good to start with something your child knows about. Discuss what they like and dislike. From there you can explore what motivates them.

Conversation starters

Pick the question you like best and see where the conversation takes you. You don't have to ask every question or use them in the order below.

Questions you could ask to get a conversation going:

• What sorts of things do you love doing?
• What subject are you enjoying most?
• What is it that you like about your favourite subject?
• What lesson have you enjoyed the most? Why did you like it so much?
• What project have you been most excited about doing at school?
• How do you feel about working in a group?
• What lessons or subjects don't you enjoy? What is it about them that you don't like?
• When you think about the future, what is important to you?
• Think of someone you know, and the job they do. What do you think their job involves? Do you think you would like to do a job like that? Why? Why not?

Tools to try

Buzz Quiz

Buzz Quiz is a personality quiz that will give your child ideas of jobs based on their personality type. It will take about 5 minutes to complete.

Who am I? Quiz

Who am I?  is a quiz is based on the Buzz Quiz personality profile but is simpler. It will give your child ideas of the types of work that might suit them.

Career Match Quiz

Career Match Quiz asks questions and generates a list of jobs and careers that are matched to your child's skills and interests. Career Match Quiz takes around 10 minutes to complete. It also has a skills section where your child can rate their skills.

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