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Original poster

Anyone give me some career advice for 15 year old DD? Thanks!

34 replies

CressidaMontgomery · 14/09/2013 10:28

She is doing her GCSEs and is in year 10. Predicted 12 A grades (providing she works hard of course!)

She is really knuckling down already and is starting to think about what she would like to study at university. She wanted to study Law but is now not so sure.

I've suggested pharmacy, chemical engineering ( probably not my greatest suggestion!) , joining the RAF as a graduate, an English degree .. Err that's it.

Her strong areas are English I suppose. She hates French and she says she is not interested or very good at the sciences ( although she's doing triple science ). Her maths is only so so.

Any suggestions? I know she doesn't need to decide now but she feels it would be useful to have something to aim for

OP posts:
yotty · 14/09/2013 11:32

I'm a long way off this yet for my DCs, but my sister used to work in recruitment in the city. In that world, the most important thing was at least at 2:1 in your degree, followed by which uni you went to, and then what subject you studied. So you need to have a passion for your subject, to ensure you get a good grade in your degree.
I have a friend who is a lawyer and she always says don't do a law degree unless you are absolutely sure you want a legal career. She always says do the degree subject you want to do and then decide later to do the conversion course, just in case you change your mind.
However, if you want a profession in the scientific world then a science/engineering course I would have thought would be important.

MortifiedAdams · 14/09/2013 11:30

A degree in drama does.not have a sole outcome of actress though - theres teaching (up to degree level), owning a dance company, choreography of shows, etc.

A degree in Business Studies mught seem to lead more to a career but not one she has any interest in.

Meringue33 · 14/09/2013 11:29

If she's good at English and less so at math/science, she'd probably find law a more natural home than engineering.

There are many things you can do with law aside from be a lawyer; there are many different types of lawyer; and there are many career opportunities (eg in business or public services) open to lawyers who have moved on.

It's v competitive of course, but it's also one of the few remaining professions that does seem to guarantee a good income (recession etc notwithstanding).

TheWave · 14/09/2013 11:26

English is related to drama though. And leaves her options open to do law conversion course. Or politics, is she interested in current affairs? I wouldn't push sciences and maths for A level given what you have said. What are her thoughts on A levels so far?

mummytime · 14/09/2013 11:23

She could try using The National Careers Service website and tools.
If she is even vaguely interested in Engineering, then get her to look at the small piece trust or google other Engineering courses, orWISE might be interesting.

Original poster
CressidaMontgomery · 14/09/2013 10:51

Great advice Rum! I shall do that with her this coming week. That's exactly the sort of thing I was hoping for.. Something to help her focus her thoughts.

I left school with next to no qualifications because I literally couldn't be bothered. I'm far from stupid but could have had a real career if I'd only applied myself. I'd really like my DD to not do as I have done!

OP posts:
Rummikub · 14/09/2013 10:48

Go onto the Ucas website and get her to look at the alphabetical list of degrees. Don't worry about where, which uni. This is just to see what interests her. Make a list. Are they all similar, related, random?
There are some amazing degrees to choose from. Then narrow these down to a short list. What A levels will she need? Also look at combined degrees, esp with choices of 3 subjects in first year.

Get your dd to think about people, family, friends, she knows and their jobs. Anything interest her?

She can either make an academic choice that she enjoys or think about a career and choose accordingly. It's ok to be unsure. Use this time to explore.

Original poster
CressidaMontgomery · 14/09/2013 10:40

Oh I agree that she should do something that she loves ... But that could end with her doing Drama or something. She loves that but is no future actress that's for sure! Or business studies. I really want her to something that is ultimately going to lead to a career for her

OP posts:
MortifiedAdams · 14/09/2013 10:33

At uni - she should do something she has a genuine passion / love of. Forget academia and focus on her passions.

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