5 Essential Soft Skills Every High School Student Should Develop for Future Success
Parenting and Family Support
Take Your Kids to Work Day: A Hands-On Approach to Career Education
November 4, 2024
The Value of Real-World Career Exposure
Every year, millions of students across the country take part in Take Your Kids to Work Day, a day that offers them a chance to see the working world up close. It’s a special opportunity for students to explore their interests, see different jobs, and understand what careers are really like. Studies show that early exposure to careers helps students imagine their futures with confidence. At Roots to Routes Academy, we believe that hands-on learning experiences like this help students discover paths that align with their unique strengths and passions.
For young black students, who may not always see themselves represented in certain fields, Take Your Kids to Work Day can be especially powerful. It’s a chance to explore fields they may not know much about and to meet professionals who have similar backgrounds and experiences. This day fits perfectly with Roots to Routes Academy’s mission: empowering black students with knowledge, skills, and opportunities that will help them succeed without having to fit into a box.
The Educational Benefits of Hands-On Career Learning
1. Learning Valuable Skills
Seeing professionals in action helps students understand how school skills apply in real life. For example:
- Math Skills: Accountants, engineers, and architects all use math daily.
- Communication Skills: People in jobs like teaching, law, and healthcare need to be excellent communicators.
- Problem-Solving Skills: Fields like technology, medicine, and business require quick thinking and problem-solving.
2. Boosting Confidence and Career Ambitions
When students see people who look like them in different professions, it boosts their confidence and widens their dreams. Did you know that studies have shown that black students who see themselves represented in their career choices are more likely to pursue their goals with passion? Take Your Kids to Work Day shows students that they, too, can be doctors, engineers, artists, entrepreneurs, or anything they set their minds to. Exposure to diverse roles builds self-confidence and sparks a belief that they belong in any field they choose.
3. Building a Network for the Future
Meeting professionals can help students start building their own networks. Knowing people in different fields can open doors to internships, job shadowing opportunities, and future careers. For example, a high school student might meet an engineer who becomes a mentor, offering advice, resources, or even a recommendation down the road. Having people to guide them can make a big difference as they prepare for the future.
Showcasing Diversity in Career Paths
At Roots to Routes Academy, we know that representation matters. Take Your Kids to Work Day is a powerful way for students to learn about all kinds of careers, especially ones they might not have considered. When students don’t see people who look like them in certain fields, they may think those careers aren’t “for them.” But when they meet professionals with similar experiences, it helps them feel seen and valued.
1. Representation in the Workplace
Students who participate in Take Your Kids to Work Day get to see people from different backgrounds working in a variety of fields. Black students, for example, might see engineers, scientists, or CEOs who look like them. Knowing that others have overcome challenges and achieved success helps students see that they, too, can pursue their dreams.
2. Exploring Unique Careers
Did you know there are over 12,000 job titles in the world? A single day at work can introduce students to fields they may not learn about in school. Careers in technology, the arts, medicine, law, and business all open doors to exciting possibilities. Many students might not have considered careers like urban planning, software development, or biotech until they see it firsthand.
3. Breaking Stereotypes
Sometimes, students may have narrow ideas of which careers “fit” certain people, but Take Your Kids to Work Day helps change that. When young black students see professionals from similar backgrounds working in all types of roles, they realize they don’t have to limit their dreams. Seeing people like themselves in a variety of fields breaks down barriers and shows students that they can pursue any path.
Practical Tips for Parents on Making the Most of the Day
To ensure Take Your Kids to Work Day is a truly valuable experience, parents can take a few steps to prepare:
1. Get Ready Before the Big Day
Explain the purpose of the day to your child and tell them a bit about your workplace or the workplace they’ll visit. Let them know what they’ll see, like the kinds of tasks people do and the projects they work on. This makes the experience feel more special and builds excitement.
2. Encourage Conversations with Colleagues
Introduce your child to different people at your workplace or encourage them to ask questions about what they do. The more perspectives they hear, the more they can understand the variety of jobs within one organization. Even if your child is a bit shy, meeting friendly professionals can make a big impression.
3. Set Reflection Goals
After the day, talk with your child about what they learned and enjoyed. Here are a few questions to get the conversation started:
- What surprised you the most about what people do at work?
- Did you see any jobs you think you’d like to try someday?
- How did the skills you’ve learned in school show up in real life today?
Reflection helps them connect what they saw to their own interests and goals.
4. Encourage Follow-Up
If your child shows interest in a specific field or profession, help them find more resources, such as books, websites, or even follow-up meetings with people they met. Many professionals are happy to offer guidance to young people exploring new paths.
Addressing Potential Challenges and How to Overcome Them
We know that not every parent has easy access to a workplace that’s suitable for a student visit, and not every workplace may feel comfortable or familiar to every child. Here’s how to make the most of the day even with some challenges:
1. Finding an Alternative Workplace
If your own workplace isn’t available or suitable, consider reaching out to friends or family who might welcome your child for the day. Alternatively, some workplaces offer virtual tours or online “job shadowing” experiences that allow students to see different professions from a safe and convenient place.
2. Preparing for Cultural Differences
For many young black students, entering a workplace where they don’t see people who look like them can feel unfamiliar. Encourage your child to ask questions and remember that every experience can be a learning opportunity. Help them focus on the skills and tasks they see, and remind them that they, too, can belong in these environments.
3. Choosing Age-Appropriate Settings
Make sure the workplace tasks and environment are age-appropriate. High school students in grades 9–11 are often mature enough to handle conversations about careers, but it’s still important to check that the activities they observe are suitable for their age and interests.
Bringing It All Together: Reflecting on the Experience
At the end of Take Your Kids to Work Day, encourage your child to think about the skills and interests they saw in action. Reflection helps them connect the experience to their own lives and future plans. Ask questions like:
- How did this experience make you feel about your future?
- What jobs seemed interesting to you?
- Did anything surprise you about what people do at work?
This reflection can help students feel more confident about their skills and excited about what’s ahead. And when students feel supported in exploring their potential, they’re more likely to succeed.
Roots to Routes Academy is here to support black students as they discover their strengths and explore careers with pride in their identity. Whether they’re interested in business, arts, medicine, or something entirely unique, our mission is to empower them with the resources, support, and mentorship they need to achieve their dreams.
Engage with Roots to Routes Academy
Take Your Kids to Work Day is a fantastic first step in career exploration, but it doesn’t have to be the last. At Roots to Routes Academy, we offer ongoing programs and resources to help students build confidence, explore diverse career paths, and celebrate their unique identities. By joining us, students gain access to a supportive community, dedicated educators, and endless possibilities for their future.
Don’t miss out on helping your child take the first step toward a successful and inspiring career. Join Roots to Routes Academy today and help them start exploring their path to success!
