As educators, parents, and mentors, we all want to help young people thrive and prepare for the future. But during Careers Week, a common concern arises: are we placing too much pressure on students to decide their career path at such a young age?
The truth is, while career discussions are vital, education should focus on more than just making students pick a path early. Instead, it should equip them with a broad knowledge base, a passion for lifelong learning, and the tools to explore the vast landscape of possibilities open to them.
The aim of education: broad horizons
Education is not about narrowing options but about opening doors. A strong, well-rounded education exposes students to a variety of subjects and skills, allowing them to discover their interests and talents. Whether it’s exploring the creative arts, mastering mathematical concepts, or delving into the sciences, each subject contributes to a richer understanding of the world.
By giving students this breadth of knowledge, we foster curiosity and resilience—two traits that are invaluable in any career. Moreover, this foundation ensures that, regardless of what they choose later, students have the skills and confidence to pivot and adapt to the ever-changing job market.
Education opportunities outside of school
Education isn’t only delivered in the classroom. Students are and should be encouraged to learn in every day life. Whether that’s baking at home (maths, food technology, science all are involved), learning a musical instrument or a new sport, all the way through to family holidays and days out. These opportunities can inspire students, help broaden horizons and engage with subjects that in the classroom can sometimes feel disconnected from day to day life.
Opportunities to engage with different careers
Careers Week provides an excellent platform for students to learn about various professions. However, instead of framing it as a “choose your future” moment, it’s more productive to view it as an opportunity for exploration.
Schools should focus on creating experiences that connect students with professionals from different fields. Virtual job shadowing, online Q&A sessions, and hands-on activities can make careers come to life in a way that goes beyond brochures and presentations. For example, students who hear from engineers, artists, medical professionals, and entrepreneurs might discover interests they didn’t even know existed.
My own career path is a case in point, having gone to university initially to study sports science, a course switch to hospitality led me to meet lecturers who continue to inspire me today, and who a real passion and hands-on experience of hotels and restaurants. This resonated with me and allowed me opportunities to explore careers that never came up in my time in school.
At TLC LIVE Online School, we strive to support this exploration by integrating career education into our curriculum and fostering discussions about how skills developed in class translate to real-world applications.
Preparing students for lifelong learning
In a world where technology and industries evolve rapidly, a “career for life” is no longer the norm. That’s why it’s essential to focus on instilling a passion for lifelong learning. Rather than pushing students to finalise their career choices by the time they finish school, we should aim to equip them with transferable skills such as critical thinking, creativity, adaptability, and communication.
When students feel empowered to learn, adapt, and grow throughout their lives, they are better prepared for any career path they choose—or even create themselves. Careers Week can become a celebration of possibilities, inspiring students to embrace uncertainty as a chance to discover what excites them.
Redefining success
Ultimately, success for young people shouldn’t be measured by how quickly they decide on a career but by how prepared they are to navigate life’s opportunities and challenges. By broadening their education, providing meaningful exposure to different careers, and nurturing their love of learning, we’re setting them up for a future where they can thrive in whatever they choose to pursue.
At TLC LIVE Online School, we are proud to champion an approach to education that places students’ curiosity and well-being at the centre. Careers Week is just one part of a much larger journey, and it’s a privilege to help guide our students as they explore the paths ahead.
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By Josh Blackburn, Chief Executive Officer, TLC LIVE Online Tutoring