Many of us remember the familiar scene from our teenage years: an adult asking, "What do you want to be when you grow up?"

That question often triggered a mix of excitement and anxiety. Now, as adults, we might find ourselves on the other side of that conversation, watching teens struggle to articulate their future plans.

According to a survey commissioned by National 4‑H Council, and conducted by the Harris Poll, 67% of teens feel pressure to keep feelings to themselves. The same survey found that 71% of teens surveyed say school work makes them feel anxious or depressed. Add the pressure of planning your entire future, and it's no wonder many teens feel overwhelmed.

Recently, a PathSpark student's mom shared something that really struck a chord with me. She said, "She was a little reluctant to start but since meeting you she's been more receptive and feels like she's being heard, so thank you for that."

This simple statement highlights a crucial truth–when teens feel heard, they open up to new possibilities. It's like watching a flower bloom; give them the right environment, and they'll flourish in ways you never expected.

At PathSpark, we've learned that creating a safe space for exploration is the secret ingredient to unlocking a student's potential.

In this blog, I'd like to share ten strategies that have transformed our conversations with students, helping them feel valued, understood, and empowered in their career journey.

1. We're brainstorming and exploring, not choosing your path

Think of career planning as a journey, not a destination. When we frame our sessions as exploration, it's like taking the weight off a student's shoulders. Suddenly, they're free to think creatively and consider options they might have dismissed before. It's amazing to see how students light up when they realize there's no pressure to make a "final" decision right away.

2. The answers won't come right away, but that is ok and to be expected

Patience isn't just a virtue; it's a necessity in this process. When I reassure students that it's normal not to have immediate clarity, I can almost see the tension melt away. It's like giving them permission to breathe and engage more fully in the process. Often, the best insights come when we're not rushing to find them.

3. Don't worry about what anyone else would think or say

This is a biggie. When students focus on their own thoughts and feelings rather than external opinions, magic happens. It's about finding their unique voice in the career conversation. I've seen students transform from hesitant to confident just by giving themselves permission to tune out outside noise and judgment.

4. I guarantee you have interests and strengths waiting to be uncovered, so just trust the process and do one thing at time

Every student has untapped potential. It's like a puzzle where we're uncovering one piece at a time. When we take a step-by-step approach, each session reveals new abilities and interests students didn't know they had. Watching this self-discovery unfold is one of the most rewarding parts of career guidance.

5. You can have multiple interests and/or combine your different interests. And don't worry about how

Who says we have to choose just one path? Where did this come from? When students embrace their diverse interests, it often leads to the most innovative and personally fulfilling career ideas. I love seeing the lightbulb moment when a student realizes they don't have to pick between their passions–they can combine them in unique ways.

6. Don't worry about how anything relates to a job, career, college, or major

This one's counterintuitive, but it works wonders. When we take the pressure off finding immediate practical applications, students explore more freely. It's like giving them a blank canvas and watching them create a masterpiece of possibilities.

7. I don't ask students what they want to do, I help them figure it out on their own

This is about empowerment. Through guided self-reflection, students uncover their true interests and aspirations. It's like teaching them to fish rather than giving them a fish. Having direction, or knowing what you want to do and how to get there is a skill we need to teach.

8. I use a variety of questions, formats, and processes to help students reflect on, discover, and narrow their interests

One size doesn't fit all in career exploration. By mixing it up with different techniques–from personality assessments to creative visualization, we ensure every student finds their 'aha' moment. It keeps things engaging and often leads to surprising discoveries.

Our current system mainly uses surveys, which I think are quite limiting in helping give students the awareness and direction they need. I haven’t spoken to one teen who has said they helped.

9. Anything is fair game and “do you”

This is where the fun really begins. When students feel free to express even their wildest career dreams without fear of judgment, the results are often incredible. Sometimes, those seemingly outlandish ideas are the spark that ignites a truly innovative career path.

10. I tell them: “I know you think you need to have it figured out, but you don’t”

Removing the pressure to have a life plan set in stone is liberating. When students understand that careers can evolve and change, it turns the process from a daunting task into an exciting adventure. It's about embracing the journey and being open to where it might lead.

A Call to Action

Changing how we approach teen career planning isn't easy. It requires patience, empathy, and a willingness to challenge our own assumptions. But the payoff can be huge, with all parties benefiting.

By creating a judgment-free zone where teens can truly express themselves, we're not just helping them plan for their futures–we're empowering them to shape those futures with confidence and authenticity.

So, let's commit to doing better. Let's create spaces where teens feel heard, valued, and supported in their journey of self-discovery. Because when we do, we're not just changing the conversation around career planning–we're changing lives.

Remember, it's not about having all the answers. It's about asking the right questions and really listening to what teens have to say. They'll surprise you with their insights and creativity if you give them the chance.