It made me think about how the process of making decisions about career choice is perceived by people other than careers professionals. It's not clear from the song whether it's parents making plans, or other adults, but Nigel seems not to have much say in this. They do recognise, though, that 'He must be happy in his work'.
As careers professionals we want young people to make their own, informed choices about their futures. Parents and other adults have a part to play in supporting their young people, but I suspect that many see their role as very like that of Nigel's parents - making the best decisions for their children. We need to empower young people to make their own choices - perhaps we need a new song for 2010: 'Nigel is Making Plans for Himself'! Perhaps we also need to consider that Nigel may now be the parent of a young person, and may want his children to have a different experience.
Apart, of course, from the Careers Officer in 'Kes' what other media portrayals of 'careers' can you think of - and what messages do they send?
Alison Fielding
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDelete