By LeeAnn Bernier-Clarke MEd, NCC, NCCC

Time: 10 to 30 Minutes

What Will My Child Get From This?

The ability to:

• Learn about several sources of good labor market information
• Research these sources for specific information
• Locate additional cited sources
• Apply acquired information to the college and career decision-making process

Before you sit down with your child:

• Read the article Working in the 21st Century.
• Consider career fields in which your teen may have expressed an interest. If none come to mind, think of what you know they are good at and what types of jobs you know of that require these skills. If all else fails, talk with them about it. Select three to start.
• Visit the Occupational Outlook Handbook to get a feeling for the type of information available and how it works.

Step By Step

1. Using the tables, graphs or text of the websites listed, develop a set of questions such as: Who earns more? Which requires more education? Which job would afford you more leisure time?
2. Develop a set of information-gathering tasks like: Name three related occupations for each career. List three cities where you would be most likely to fine a job in each field. Now you have a great resource to use for developing a set of Career CyberQuest (CCQ) forms.
3. Develop several CCQ forms (like the example below) varying the number and complexity of questions to fit several different time frames between 10 and 30 minutes. You may create a fun and clever format on the computer, or you may just jot down questions as they arise in conversation. It is beneficial to keep a few of these forms available at all times.
4. Now wait for the right moment and introduce the CCQ activity. This might occur at the dinner table, while watching TV, in the car, or any time a relevant topic comes up.
5. Send your teen on a Career CyberQuest.

Or, check out this site: (Just list the Web address depending on your teen's computer competency.)

Of the above three occupations, which pays more?

Which requires more education?

Which is the fastest growing?

Any Surprises?

Which appeals to you most and why?

Follow-Up Activities

1. Seize similar opportunities to send your teen on a CCQ again and again. Be creative in your approach, and you will both find it an interesting and beneficial activity.
2. Stay positive, playful and alert to additional shared information that can be used on future CCQs.
3. Become familiar enough with these resources to develop the CCQ forms varying in complexity and length.
4. Use these activities as a springboard to engage your teen in discussions about his or her future college or career planning and the importance of considering labor market trends in this crucial decision-making process.