Next step for a child with this profile…

[Sofrustratedwithmyself]

DS is in year 12. He’s academically average but performs terribly in exams - he isn’t even sure what happens but it’s like he draws a blank. Failed 2 GCSEs he should have passed and did ‘just ok’ in the 7 he did pass.

However, he is extremely emotionally intelligent and has this way with people I just can’t describe. Really easy conversationist, engaging, lovely humour, great eye contact and just has ‘it’. Not just my opinion, but others say it regularly . He went for a job interview for a part time job today, and I vaguely know the person who interviewed him and she messaged me afterwards to say how amazing his communication skills are.

We are working with him to think of next steps for him after sixth form but he just doesn’t know what he wants to do. So many jobs out there that we don’t even know exist (I had never heard of my job before I trained for it!). I wondered if anyone had some ideas they could throw out that might suit someone with his skills/academic challenges.

@Sofrustratedwithmyself If he gets anxious, the school may well be able to allocate him a small room setting for exams. It's a standard concession for students with anxiety and can feel much more comfortable than walking into the big hall. Usually a handful of students in a classroom with an invigilator. Much calmer environment for the students who stress out in exams.

Not in europe ... brexit put an end to that.

Marketing, sales, something community based.

He'd be great working in sales?

What do you think he would be like if he was at work in an office and he had to produce something like a report in time for a deadline?

Absolutely right and of course we can change careers whenever we want (I retrained at 40). I think I just want to give him some ideas. He kind of loses direction and gets a bit despondent when he doesn’t have direction and I thought a few little ideas on his possible future would give him a boost. It is good to hear other people saying not to worry too much though x

Not sure….but he knows he doesn’t want to work in an office. He’s actually ok under pressure - lots of his essays for school are quite last minute. It’s something about exams that causes issues - as someone said above it could be the ‘big room’, quiet feel of the exam room?

I did speak to school about this. I don’t think they are great with kids who don’t have the obvious SEN presentation. They kind of dismissed me at GCSE level when I said how anxious he was. I am going to see how he does in his first A level exams and talk to them again. At least now I have evidence he stumbles (2 failed GCSEs) which a kid of his intelligence and supposedly one of the best schools in the area with good attendance and good attitude

@Sofrustratedwithmyself Work in an outward bound type place. Work with sports but so many are trying this. Estate agent? Marketing often takes degree holders. A non degeee apprenticeship? Have a look at what’s available.

Lastly; he won’t be a psychologist without several degrees and years of training. It’s a non starter. Psychoanalyst - similar issues. It’s academic. Not chatty man!

Absolutely understand that. It’s a good point to make. I took a few years out after leaving 6th form and thought I absolutely wouldn’t go to Uni. Then slightly older me (age 20) decided I did want to go and got a great degree. Perhaps DS will be the same once he’s done a bit of living and growing up.

Sounds like a couple of gap years would do him good. Ski seasons, surf camps, that sort of thing.

I wonder about maybe some sort of occupational therapy, physiotherapy?

Sales is an obvious one, or anything with a focus on relationship management, there are roles in banking that would work?

Recruitment or HR Business Partner where relationships are really important?

I think it’s quite difficult to get into some professional roles without very good academics. I’m afraid so many young people do have very decent degrees, employers have a huge choice.

Being an OT requires a degree. Ditto being a physio these days. What subjects is he actually taking at school in addition business? What is his best subjects? Have you looked at apprenticeships? Degree ones are very competitive but the lower level ones are definitely open to him.

Also there are openings in concierge companies, hosting events, planning events, selling anything (cars?) and many companies allow dc to work their way up. I think the main thing is to, at the moment, avoid professions. HR is a profession. Mostly degree holders plus professional exams. It’s not remotely about personality.

If he gets the part time work he applied for, can he build on this?

My DD did a diploma in interior design. Loads of use of computer programs. Lots of people don’t like this. They think it’s choosing curtains and cushions. If he’s quick with IT programmes would he like that? It’s partly creative and partly using design IT.

What about retail? Shops still exist. I think it’s a case of getting a foot in a door and going from there. What about any office work - he’s doing business BTec. Or looking at a local authority for apprenticeships? It might be a slog but get job alerts from the big agencies. Scroll through what they are advertising and sign up for notifications in an area of work he might do.

Lastly put feelers out.

Hotels? If they get the bug, it’s a fun, very varied career and interpersonal skills are key

It sounds like your son has a natural talent for connecting with people, which is a powerful skill in many careers. Since he struggles with exams but thrives in interpersonal settings, exploring practical, hands-on roles or vocational training might be a good fit. Roles in sales, account management, or customer service could allow him to use his communication skills. Industries like retail, tech, or hospitality offer good entry points. Many industries offer apprenticeships that focus on learning through experience, which could suit his learning style.

Estate agent? My cousin sounds like yr boy and has loved his looooong career as one. He’s brilliant at it - has an amazing knack for matching people and places.