How the time flies. It felt like moments ago that you first heard your child talking about what they want to be when they grow up. Now – facing a packed schedule of final high school essays, exams, showcases and practicals – those aspirations, however previously lightly-held, are suddenly starting to look like the beginnings of quite significant long-term plans.
While some high schoolers find choosing a career path straightforward, for others it brings uncertainty and anxiety. You may find that your child doesn’t know what want to do, or they have specific interests but feel hesitant about committing to one career.
It’s normal for high school students to feel this way. Given the array of course and career options post high school, a level of overwhelm is understandable. But it’s also important for your child to make some decisions about their future before they graduate. And during this time, they’ll likely look to you for advice and support, even if they don’t explicitly ask for it.
So, how can you help them navigate their career choices?
Take a Gen Z perspective
Firstly, it’s worth acknowledging that your child is a member of Gen Z. Born between 1997–2012, Gen Z represent the first fully “digital native” generation – having grown up surrounded by digital technologies from birth. Their concept of what a career should look like is fundamentally shaped by digitalisation, and they have values and expectations quite distinct from previous generations.
In light of this, be mindful that your personal beliefs about what comprises a suitable career and a successful lifestyle are likely based on your own experiences rather than theirs and instead, take a moment out to adopt a fresh perspective and step into their world.
According to Deloitte, a Gen Zer is interested in a career where there is constant change and opportunities for continuous learning. They want to work in authentic career environments that offer support and teamwork in an environment that aligns with their digital fluency.
In Australia’s Top 100 Gen Z Employers 2024, healthcare and IT are areas of significant career interest, as well as industries that provide creative autonomy, such as gaming, media and entertainment – with 17% of Gen Zers aspiring to careers in a creative field.
Focus on the next few years
Your child may need some help from you right now to find out how they can get from high school to where they see themselves in a few years’ time. Gen Zers like change, so support their penchant for short-term decisions and focus only on the next few years.
What you’re looking for is an anchor point from which different careers, courses and opportunities can grow. And the best place to start looking is online – a place where your child will feel very comfortable. Gen Zers are adept at using online tools and communities to help them make decisions of any kind, and career decisions are no different.
Start by encouraging your child to try online career match quizzes, such as Curtin University’s Find U Quiz, which is fun, quick and easy to do. This can help your child determine which career areas match their personality. You can also find out about career clusters and trends from looking at university study areas, as well as the Federal Government’s labour market insights, YouTube, LinkedIn and industry websites.
Curtin also publishes numerous career advice articles you may find helpful, such as:
- Where a degree in humanities can take you
- Exciting careers in gaming when you aren’t a professional gamer
- Environmental careers
- Careers in justice: skills for today’s lawyers
- Lighting the path to your IT career
- Choosing the right engineering major
- Choosing a business degree
Where a career area requires a tertiary qualification, search for specific information about courses from university and TAFE websites. If you don’t already have copies, download some course guides to get detailed information.
Your child may start to feel overwhelmed at this stage, so stay positive and guide them carefully. Don’t try to go through all the information at once, take it slowly, look through it together over several sessions, and give your child the time to absorb the information and make well-considered decisions.
Help make phone calls
While Gen Zers excel in the digital world, they may be surprisingly reluctant to use their phones to make actual phone calls! If your child fits into this category, work together as a team, searching together to find information online, and then helping them to make phone calls if they have questions. Alternatively, gently encourage them to make the calls themselves.
At Curtin, our future students team offer help and support for both you and your child. Phone in 1300 222 888 or drop into Curtin Connect together so your child can get tailored advice.
Attend open days and expos
When you’ve had enough of being indoors, consider attending some fun expos and events together, such as Curtin Open Day. These events provide an opportunity to explore careers and courses, and gain insight into university life. Later in the year, you and your child can receive tailored advice at Curtin’s Undergraduate course expo.
Understand courses and entry pathways
Once your child starts homing in on a career that needs a tertiary qualification, compile a shortlist of courses and the type of qualifications and work experience required to excel in that area.
Take a good look at the duration of each course and whether it carries any professional accreditation or recognition. Most first degrees take three to five years of full-time study. Four- and five-year degrees are known as “professional degrees”. These are longer to ensure graduates meet certain industry standards and are eligible for registration or membership of relevant industry bodies.
You’ll also notice that entry into university courses has, in many instances, become increasingly accessible over the past few years. Depending on the course, there are multiple admission pathways, suiting those studying ATAR, General subjects, and VET certificates; and those who have work experience.
If you need some help with the lingo, this glossary of uni words may provide some insight.
Curtin University’s pathway finder tool can help you and your child to determine their entry pathway options. Curtin also offers several resources including:
Know how to apply for a course
If your year 12 child decides to study a particular university course, or has shortlisted several potential courses, their next step is to submit an application through the Tertiary Institutions Service Centre, also known as TISC.
But … pause. Take another step back at this point. Ask yourself whether your Gen Z child shares your enthusiasm to put in an application ‘rn’ (right now). If, on reflection, you believe they don’t, give them some space to allow them to decide for themselves when to submit their application, despite how frustrating that may feel to you. Being Gen Zers, they are probably wanting to sound out their ideas with their peer group first. So, bide your time, patience is key here.
Many opinions and Snapchats later, your child may feel their choices are verified and seem more confident in their course decisions. Now they’re ready – and you can breathe a sigh of relief – they can log into TISC using their WACE student number, which can be found on their school report and on their SmartRider card, along with an initial/default password provided on the TISC registration page.
Once on the TISC site, your child can apply for up to six courses they are interested in studying (from any of the four public universities in WA) and preference them from one to six – their first preference being the course they want to do the most.
Further information on applying through TISC can be found on the TISC website and in our article: Your TISC questions answered.
Provide support during year 12
Your child may experience significant stress during their final high school year, whether they are studying for ATAR exams, completing VET modules or working on externally set tasks (ESTs). Be attentive to their stress levels and respond appropriately.
It is important not to project your own stress onto them. Instead, provide a calm, predictable environment with ample support, a listening ear and plenty of rest. Bear in mind that they cannot study incessantly. Encourage them to take breaks, go for a walk, participate in sports or spend time with friends. If they seem disinterested in studying, stay positive, offer assistance in any way you can or help them plan their tasks to stay on track.
If your child is worried about tests and exams, see our top tips to manage exam anxiety. If they are concerned that they may not get the ATAR they are hoping to get, remind them that there are many options open to them.
Apply for scholarships
Studying at university rather than starting a job means some significant financial considerations will need to be made, including managing course fees, living expenses and accommodation fees.
So, once your child has submitted their application through TISC, explore some of the scholarships available to them. They may be eligible for financial support or other benefits, such as unique overseas opportunities or programs designed to give them a headstart in their career. Scholarships require a separate application from TISC, so it’s advisable to start the scholarship search early to allow time to prepare the applications. Encourage your child to apply for all relevant scholarships to increase their chances of being awarded one.
Find out about university accommodation
If you live in a rural or remote area, assisting your child in finding suitable accommodation during their university journey can be invaluable. If they choose to study at Curtin Perth, they can apply for one of the six on-campus accommodation options.
St Catherine’s College offers a personalised, highly supportive residential experience with fully catered options, while UniLodge provides various independent-living options, such as self-contained studios with ensuites and private rooms in shared apartments. Both options offer events and activities throughout the year to help your child feel part of the community.
Help your child transition from high school to university
Year 12 will be over before you know it, so be ready to support your child when ATARs and grades are published, and universities start making unconditional offers.
Your child may ask for help with the “paperwork”, from accepting offers to enrolling and managing their new timetables. They may even have a change of heart and want to switch courses. If this is the case, support them in their choices even if you disagree. They will be far more successful if they are studying a course they really want to do.
Over the holiday period, Curtin’s summer help team will be available to answer any questions you or your child may have. You can call 1300 222 888 or make an appointment to see an advisor.
Once your child has started their course, they can access various resources to help them settle in and make the most of their experience including orientation programs, mentor programs, academic support and campus culture activities. To know what’s expected of you, see our article: How to best support your child at university.
And then … it’s time to sit back and give yourself a pat on the back … Good job done!
