Finding the right career for you is important, especially as someone with a bleeding or blood disorder. It’s important to think about what interests you, what your talents are, and what excites you. It is also important to think about the type of environment that is right and safe for you. In this section, you will find helpful tips for finding a career that fits you no matter your age.
It’s hard to know exactly what you want to do for the rest of your life when you’re a tween or teen. During this time, most children start to think about what they see themselves doing and what activities or school subjects they enjoy. At this stage, parents, caregivers, pre-teens, and teens should be open-minded and explore a variety of options. Going to camp, volunteering, or getting a summer job are all ways children can learn more about their skills and talents. These activities will also give children valuable life experiences. You and your child may also be thinking about how, if at all, having a bleeding or blood disorder may affect their career options. School counselors and Hemophilia Treatment Centers (HTCs) can provide additional support in guiding families toward the right path.
This section of Next Step covers:
Finding the Right Career Match
Exploring Different Careers
Most pre-teens and teens are not ready to settle on a career choice, but it is a great time to start exploring different types of jobs. Many children may only know about a small number of jobs, like teaching or nursing. They may be aware of what family members do. Exploring jobs is a great way to get them to realize the many jobs that are available.
Here are some ways to help your children with career exploration:
Just because your child has a bleeding or blood disorder doesn't mean that some careers are totally off limits. Help your child brainstorm alternative jobs that would fit their interests. Instead of being a professional basketball player, your child might become a sports reporter or physical therapist.
Use your connections with colleagues, family, and friends to set up opportunities for your child to meet with people working in different jobs. Ask your child’s Hemophilia Treatment Center (HTC), local bleeding disorder chapter, or friends to help find individuals with a bleeding disorder who have faced similar challenges as your child.
Some middle and high schools have career exploration clubs, like Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA), Future Business Leaders of America, or model United Nations. These clubs can help your child learn about different careers. The school newspaper, cooking classes, photography club, and art classes may offer chances for your child to explore their interests.
Encourage your child to do activities like, "Take Your Child to Work Day." Held every year in April, this national event gives kids the chance to see what a parent or mentor does during the work day.
Some HTCs offer career exploration programs. These programs may include personality and career testing, information about different careers, and advice on making financial decisions.
Local bleeding disorder chapters and camps offer different types of teen leadership programs. These programs give teens the chance to get together throughout the year and participate in career-related activities. Teens can become Counselors in Training (CITs) at camp and develop important skills.
Your child can start searching for future leadership opportunities even if they are not old enough now. This way they can make sure to meet any requirements needed to apply for the programs. One example is the National Bleeding Disorders Foundation National Youth Leadership Institute (NYLI). It is a great program for young adults, aged 18 to 24 years. It encourages leadership and problem-solving skills. To join this program, young adults must show leadership skills in their communities. For more information, go to National Youth Leadership Institute (NYLI).
- Career Exploration. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics website links interests to career choices. The site has detailed information about each career. This includes what the job is like, the necessary skills to do that job, salary, outlook for the job's future, and more.
- GetMyFuture’s Interest Assessment. This 5 minute quiz will ask questions about your interests then show you careers that fit those areas.
Finding the Right Career Match
Staying healthy and making good decisions can help keep your child’s career options open. As you both explore careers, think about the physical demands that the type of work might place on the body. Help your child learn what medical restrictions might make it difficult to do some jobs. If your child is interested in a job with physical demands, think creatively about possible options.