by
Northern News Services

NNSL (Aug 20/97) - Kids and parents everywhere often wonder when the best time to start thinking about a future career is. The answer is easy: as soon as possible.

"Thinking about a career is very important in the early stage," said Mark Cleveland, Deputy Minister of Education, Culture and Employment.

Cleveland said it is very important to try to gain a clear perspective into what you might want to do for a career, in order to make advantageous course selections in high school.

For example, if you are interested in pursuing a university education, it would be wise to take matriculation courses.

Of course, it is always in every student's best interest to take a broad range of courses.

"You try and steer people into programs that won't be limiting -- to get a broad-based level of experience," said Cleveland.

Cleveland used the example of a student who mostly studies auto mechanics throughout high school and then discovers he really wanted to be a technician.

Without the broad based courses, the student would have to return to school to upgrade enough to be accepted into a college.

Over the last few years high school and career counsellors have tried to place greater emphasis on career development.

In early high school, grades 9 and 10, students have an opportunity to sit with staff and discuss what field their interests are in and to plan a high school curriculum to enhance those interests.

Counsellors at North Slave Career Centre are also available to discuss career options with junior high and high school students.

Cleveland said the best method to help a young person decide on a career course is first to academically prepare and second to gain work experience either inside or out of school.

Parents can get involved with their kids' future careers by exposing them to different opportunities and experiences throughout their lives.

"Give them an opportunity to test where their interests lie," said Cleveland.

Students agree that it is to their advantage to start thinking about career choices early.

"I'd say start thinking about it before you go to university," said Erin McNiel, who took two years of university courses before realizing she was unhappy in her studies.

"I took courses that haven't got anything to do with what I really want to do,' she said.

The end result of experiences like McNiel's are usually losses of time and money -- two commodities that are important to everyone.

Tamara Mackie and Stefanie Slater, both 14, agree with McNiel. They say that although they haven't decided for sure what they would like to do, they have definitely thought about it.

"Once you graduate, if you haven't thought about it, you just end up dropping out and never doing anything at all," said Mackie.

"You should have an idea what you want to do before you go to college," said Slater.

For any person considering furthering their education or making a career change, a good place to consult is the North Slave Career Centre, where trained counsellors are available to help you discover your options.