Enkel bei der Berufswahl unterstützen

Kevin Iori (KI) by Kevin Iori (KI)
01.01.2025
Enkel bei der Berufswahl unterstützen

Why grandparents are important in career choice

Career choice is one of the most important decisions in your grandchildren's lives. As grandparents, you can play a valuable role by bringing in your life experience, your neutral perspective, and your unconditional support. Your grandchildren benefit when you help them explore their interests, learn about different professions, and make an informed decision.

Your support in career choice is particularly valuable for your grandchildren because you can offer a different perspective than parents or teachers. You have the time and calm to talk with your grandchildren about their future without being under pressure or having expectations. This relaxed atmosphere allows your grandchildren to speak openly about their wishes, fears, and dreams.

When you support your grandchildren in their career choice, you show them how important their future is to you. This appreciation and attention strengthens the relationship with your grandchildren and gives them the feeling that their decisions matter. Your support can help your grandchildren become more confident and make a career choice that suits them.

Life experience as a valuable resource

Your life experience is an invaluable resource for your grandchildren in career choice. You have experienced different phases of working life, may have practiced several professions, or have witnessed the changes in the world of work over decades. You can use these experiences to help your grandchildren develop realistic expectations and understand different perspectives.

Share with your grandchildren what you know about different professions, what requirements they have, and how the world of work has developed. Tell them about your own experiences, successes and challenges, and help your grandchildren understand that career choice is a process that takes time and that it's okay to explore different paths.

Your life experience also helps your grandchildren think long-term. You can show them that a career choice doesn't have to be binding forever, that it's possible to develop further and take new paths. This perspective can help your grandchildren feel less pressure and be more open to various possibilities.

Offering a neutral perspective

As grandparents, you can offer a neutral perspective that is particularly valuable for your grandchildren. Parents often have certain expectations or wishes for their children's future, and teachers can be influenced by their role. You as grandparents can bring a more objective viewpoint and help your grandchildren explore their own interests and strengths without being influenced by external expectations.

This neutral perspective allows you to have honest conversations with your grandchildren. You can ask questions that parents might not ask, and you can help your grandchildren explore their own thoughts and feelings. These conversations can help your grandchildren gain clarity about their wishes and goals.

At the same time, as a neutral person, you can also mediate when there are different opinions between parents and grandchildren. You can help understand different perspectives and find compromises that work for everyone involved. Your role as a mediator can be particularly valuable when it comes to important decisions.

Having conversations about professions

Regular conversations about professions and the future are an important part of support in career choice. Use the time with your grandchildren to talk about different professions, explore their interests, and help them understand their strengths and weaknesses. These conversations should be open and curious, without pressure or expectations.

Start with open questions that encourage your grandchildren to think. Don't just ask "What do you want to be?", but explore together what interests your grandchildren, what they like to do, and what matters to them. Listen attentively and show interest in their thoughts and feelings. These conversations help your grandchildren clarify their own wishes and goals.

It's important that you're not lecturing, but exploring together with your grandchildren. Show that you take their opinion seriously and that there are different ways to be professionally successful. When you're open and supportive, your grandchildren feel safe sharing their thoughts and fears with you.

Exploring interests and strengths

Help your grandchildren explore their interests and strengths. Ask what they like to do, which subjects they enjoy at school, and which activities particularly interest them. This information can provide clues about which professions might suit your grandchildren.

Also observe what your grandchildren are good at and what excites them. Perhaps they are particularly creative, have a talent for numbers, or are very communicative. These strengths can be important clues for career choice. Help your grandchildren understand that their strengths are valuable and that there are professions that match these strengths exactly.

At the same time, you should also be realistic and help your grandchildren understand that everyone has strengths and weaknesses. It's not about being perfect, but about finding a profession that matches one's own abilities and interests. When you support your grandchildren in recognizing and using their strengths, you help them become more confident and make an informed career choice.

Having age-appropriate conversations

The way you talk about professions should be adapted to your grandchildren's age. For younger children, you can use simple explanations and explore different professions playfully. For older teenagers, you can have more complex conversations about career paths, training, and long-term goals.

With younger children, you can tell stories or read books together about different professions. Ask which professions they find interesting and why. These early conversations help your grandchildren develop an awareness of the diversity of the world of work and explore their interests.

With older teenagers, you can have deeper conversations about training, studies, career paths, and long-term goals. Help them explore various options and understand the advantages and disadvantages of different paths. These conversations can help your grandchildren make informed decisions and plan their future.

Exploring the world of work together

In addition to conversations, it's important that your grandchildren can also explore the world of work practically. Support your grandchildren in getting to know different professions, whether through internships, workplace visits, or conversations with people who work in various professions. These practical experiences help your grandchildren develop realistic ideas about different professions.

If possible, enable your grandchildren to visit you at work or meet people in various professions. Perhaps you know people in different industries who are willing to talk with your grandchildren about their profession. These contacts can provide valuable insights into different professions and help your grandchildren expand their options.

Joint visits to career fairs, training fairs, or information events can also be helpful. These events offer the opportunity to learn about different professions, ask questions, and make contacts. When you accompany your grandchildren to such events, you show them how important their future is to you and give them practical support at the same time.

Enabling practical insights

Practical insights into different professions are particularly valuable for your grandchildren. If possible, help your grandchildren organize internships or trial days. These experiences give your grandchildren the opportunity to experience different professions firsthand and see if they suit them.

Workplace visits can also be valuable. If you still work or know people who are willing to invite your grandchildren, these visits can provide important insights into the daily work life of various professions. Your grandchildren can see what a typical workday looks like, what tasks need to be completed, and what requirements the profession has.

If internships or visits aren't possible, you can also watch documentaries or videos together about different professions. These media can also provide valuable insights and help your grandchildren better understand different professions. It's important that you watch these contents together with your grandchildren and talk about what you've seen.

Visiting career fairs and events

Career fairs and information events are a good way to learn about different professions and make contacts. When you accompany your grandchildren to such events, you show them how important their future is to you and give them practical support in career choice at the same time.

Before visiting a career fair, you can think together with your grandchildren about which professions interest them and which questions they want to ask. Help your grandchildren prepare their questions so they can make the most of the visit. During the fair, you can visit various booths together and have conversations.

After the visit, you should talk together with your grandchildren about what you experienced. Ask which professions they found interesting, what new insights they gained, and what next steps they want to take. This reflection helps your grandchildren process their experiences and further concretize their career choice.

Sharing own career experiences

Your own career experiences are a valuable resource for your grandchildren. Share with your grandchildren what you know about different professions, what experiences you've had, and how the world of work has developed. These stories can help your grandchildren better understand different professions and develop realistic expectations.

Don't just tell about successes, but also about challenges and setbacks. Show your grandchildren that working life isn't always easy, but that there are also many opportunities to develop further and take new paths. These honest stories help your grandchildren develop realistic ideas and be better prepared for the challenges of working life.

If you've practiced various professions or witnessed the changes in the world of work, you can also show your grandchildren that career choice doesn't have to be binding forever. Explain how professions have developed, what new opportunities have arisen, and how important it is to continue learning and adapt. This perspective can help your grandchildren feel less pressure and be more open to various possibilities.

Telling about own career

Share with your grandchildren how you developed your own career. Tell them about your decisions, the paths you took, and the experiences you had. These stories can help your grandchildren understand that career choice is a process that takes time and that there are different ways to be professionally successful.

Also tell about the moments when you were uncertain or when you had to make decisions. Show your grandchildren that uncertainty is normal and that it's okay to explore different paths. When you're honest about your own experiences, you help your grandchildren better understand and accept their own uncertainties.

At the same time, you can also tell about the moments when you were proud of your decisions or when you felt you had taken the right path. These positive stories can encourage your grandchildren and show them that it's possible to find a profession that suits you and brings you joy.

Explaining changes in the world of work

The world of work has changed significantly in recent decades, and you have witnessed this development. Share with your grandchildren how professions have developed, what new opportunities have arisen, and what challenges exist. This information can help your grandchildren better understand the current world of work and develop realistic expectations.

Also explain how important it is today to continue learning and adapt. The world of work changes quickly, and it's important that your grandchildren understand that lifelong learning is important. Show them that it's okay to take different paths and that flexibility and adaptability are important skills.

At the same time, you can also tell about the positive developments you've experienced. Perhaps there are more opportunities today for women to pursue various professions, or there are new professions that didn't exist before. These positive developments can encourage your grandchildren and show them that the world of work offers many possibilities.

Support with applications

When your grandchildren apply for training positions or jobs, you can provide practical support. Help your grandchildren create, review, and improve their application documents. Your experience and eye for detail can help your grandchildren create a professional application that increases their chances.

It's important that you support your grandchildren but don't do everything for them. Your grandchildren should write their own applications so they are authentic and reflect their personality. However, you can help correct errors, improve formulations, and ensure that all important information is included.

You can also help prepare for job interviews. Practice together with your grandchildren how they can introduce themselves, what questions they should ask, and how they can answer typical questions. This preparation can help your grandchildren become more confident and be better prepared for job interviews.

Reviewing application documents

When your grandchildren have created their application documents, you can go through them together and review them. Pay attention to spelling, grammar, and formatting, but also ensure that the application looks professional and contains all important information. Your experience can help your grandchildren avoid errors and create a convincing application.

Give constructive feedback that is helpful but not discouraging. Show what's good and make suggestions for improvement. When you support your grandchildren in improving their applications, you help them not only have better chances but also develop self-confidence.

It's also important that you ensure the application is authentic and reflects your grandchildren's personality. An application shouldn't be too perfect or formulaic, but should show who your grandchildren are and why they are suitable for the job. Help your grandchildren highlight their own strengths and experiences.

Preparing for job interviews

Job interviews can be very exciting and nerve-wracking for your grandchildren. You can help by practicing together with your grandchildren how they can introduce themselves, what questions they should ask, and how they can answer typical questions. This preparation can help your grandchildren become more confident and be better prepared for the conversation.

Also practice how your grandchildren can present their strengths and experiences. Help them find concrete examples that show their abilities and practice how they can bring these examples into the conversation. This preparation can help your grandchildren present themselves better and increase their chances.

At the same time, you should also ensure that your grandchildren remain authentic. A job interview shouldn't seem like a performance, but should be an honest conversation. Help your grandchildren present themselves confidently but also naturally so they make a good impression.

Financial support and planning

Career choice can also have financial aspects, especially when it comes to training or studies. As grandparents, you can help your grandchildren understand and plan the financial aspects of career choice. This support can help your grandchildren develop realistic expectations and make informed decisions.

If possible, you can also offer financial support, whether through direct financial help or by supporting the search for scholarships or other financing options. This support can help your grandchildren finance their training or studies and achieve their career goals.

It's important that you speak openly about financial aspects and set realistic expectations. Help your grandchildren understand what costs are associated with different training paths and what options exist to cover these costs. This transparency can help your grandchildren make informed decisions.

Discussing training costs

Different training paths have different costs. Help your grandchildren understand what costs are associated with different paths, whether it's training, studies, or further education. This information can help your grandchildren develop realistic expectations and make informed decisions.

Also discuss what options exist to cover these costs. Perhaps there are scholarships, student aid, or other financing options that your grandchildren can use. Help your grandchildren inform themselves about these options and submit the right applications.

At the same time, you should also be realistic and help your grandchildren understand that financial aspects are important but shouldn't be the only criterion in career choice. Help your grandchildren find a balance between their interests and their financial possibilities.

Showing financing options

There are various ways to finance training or studies. Help your grandchildren inform themselves about these options and submit the right applications. Perhaps you can also offer financial support yourself, whether through direct help or by supporting the search for other financing sources.

It's important that you speak openly about financial aspects and set realistic expectations. Help your grandchildren understand what options exist and what requirements must be met. This transparency can help your grandchildren make informed decisions and optimally use their financial possibilities.

At the same time, you should also ensure that your grandchildren aren't overwhelmed. Financial planning can be complex, and it's important that you support your grandchildren without overwhelming them. Help them proceed step by step and understand the necessary steps.

Providing emotional support

Career choice can be very exciting but also stressful and uncertain for your grandchildren. As grandparents, you can provide important emotional support by being there for your grandchildren, listening to them, and helping them deal with their fears and uncertainties. This support is just as important as practical help.

Show your grandchildren that you're there for them, even when they're uncertain or experiencing setbacks. Listen when they talk about their fears or worries, and help them understand and process their feelings. This emotional support can help your grandchildren become more confident and better deal with challenges.

At the same time, you should also ensure that you don't put pressure on your grandchildren. Career choice is an important process, but it's also okay to take time and explore different paths. When you're patient and supportive, you help your grandchildren make a career choice that suits them and makes them happy.

Standing by during uncertainties

Uncertainty is a normal part of the career choice process. Your grandchildren may be uncertain about which direction to take, whether they're making the right decision, or whether they can meet the requirements. As grandparents, you can help by taking these uncertainties seriously and showing your grandchildren that it's okay to be uncertain.

Help your grandchildren understand and process their uncertainties. Ask what makes them uncertain and listen attentively. Sometimes it helps to simply listen and show that you're there for your grandchildren. Sometimes you can also help by showing different perspectives or providing information that creates clarity.

At the same time, you should also ensure that you don't overwhelm your grandchildren. Sometimes your grandchildren simply need time to sort their thoughts and make their decisions. When you're patient and support your grandchildren without pushing them, you help them become more confident and make their own decisions.

Celebrating successes and catching setbacks

When your grandchildren have successes, whether it's an acceptance for an internship, a successful application, or a good grade, celebrate these successes with them. Show that you're proud and that their successes matter. This recognition can help your grandchildren become more confident and stay motivated.

At the same time, you should also be prepared to support your grandchildren during setbacks. When an application is rejected or when something doesn't go as planned, help your grandchildren deal with these setbacks. Show that setbacks are normal and that it's important not to give up but to keep going.

Also help your grandchildren learn from setbacks. Ask what they learned from the experience and how they could proceed differently next time. This reflection can help your grandchildren learn from their experiences and develop further. Your support can help your grandchildren become more resilient and better deal with challenges.

Accompanying long-term career planning

Career choice is not just a one-time decision, but a long-term process. As grandparents, you can also accompany your grandchildren in long-term career planning. Help your grandchildren understand that professions develop, that it's important to continue learning, and that there are different ways to be professionally successful.

Support your grandchildren in developing long-term goals and planning steps on how to achieve these goals. Help them understand that career choice is a process that takes time and that it's okay to explore different paths and develop further. This long-term perspective can help your grandchildren feel less pressure and be more open to various possibilities.

At the same time, you should also ensure that you don't overwhelm your grandchildren. Long-term planning can be complex, and it's important that you support your grandchildren without overwhelming them. Help them proceed step by step and understand the necessary steps. Your support can help your grandchildren achieve their career goals and develop a fulfilling career.

Areas of support in career choice

Area
Possibilities
Note
Having conversations
Exploring interests and identifying strengths
Regular open conversations
Exploring work world
Organizing internships and visiting career fairs
Enabling practical insights
Supporting applications
Reviewing documents and practicing interviews
Professional presentation
Financial planning
Discussing costs and showing financing options
Realistic expectations

Age-appropriate support in career choice

Age
Focus
Activities
8-12 years
Exploring interests
Reading stories and discovering professions playfully
13-15 years
Identifying strengths
Organizing internships and exploring work world
16-18 years
Supporting applications
Reviewing application documents and practicing conversations
18+ years
Accompanying career planning
Developing long-term goals and planning steps

Conversation starters about career choice

Question
Goal
Age
What interests you particularly?
Exploring interests
All age groups
What can you do particularly well?
Identifying strengths
From 10 years
Which professions do you know?
Exploring work world
All age groups
What is important to you at work?
Clarifying values
From 14 years

Tips for conversations about career choice

  • Start with open questions that encourage thinking
  • Listen attentively and show interest in your grandchildren's thoughts
  • Be patient and give your grandchildren time to formulate their thoughts
  • Avoid lectures and instead give suggestions
  • Show that you take your grandchildren's opinion seriously
  • Use everyday situations to talk about professions

Providing practical support

  • Help organize internships or trial days
  • Accompany your grandchildren to career fairs or information events
  • Review application documents for errors and improvement opportunities
  • Practice job interviews and presentations together
  • Help search for financing options or scholarships
  • Offer emotional support during uncertainties or setbacks

Signs that your support is working

  • Your grandchildren speak openly about their interests and goals
  • They show initiative in exploring different professions
  • They ask questions and show interest in various possibilities
  • They develop realistic expectations and informed decisions
  • They feel confident and well prepared
  • They show resilience during setbacks and learn from experiences

Symbol for career choice and career planning

Support between generations

Career path and development