When / how to get your child to investigate Universities and potential jobs?

[LondonHOPDad]

Hello

Our eldest is in Y8 (so quite a way to go!) but will have to choose GCSE subjects in April, which he has been researching and there will be meetings with teachers etc to help.

This got me looking backwards from Universities back down to A-Levels for various degrees to see what subjects being dropped affect anything. I've looked through tons of threads on here, many of which also reference jobs post University courses etc (eg History potentially leading to Law / Civil Service etc which I didn't know).

Anyway, I don't have a degree so no experience there, but am also not familiar with many jobs in reality eg all the different types of engineering, plus things like degree apprenticeships vs traditional degrees.

He's very academically able, at a State school, and has decided he will probably do Maths, History and a MFL for A-Level, and maybe History at Uni. Clearly lots of potential for this to change, just favourite subjects at the moment really.

I'd like to help him explore different jobs to open his mind to various opportunities, and then backwards again to Universities and subject choices at A-Level.

I'm not really sure how to start, and when to start - what did people find worked for them (or more specifically their children)? Are there interesting sites for children to look at that people recommend? Anything people wish they had done, or done earlier? I don't want to bore him, but also want to make sure his eyes are open to various opportunities so he can decide, at the right time, with full information.

Thanks and sorry this was long for a basic question - possibly way to early but I'd like to plan ahead so he has as good a chance as he can in whatever he might want to do.

I think he's too young really. I would think more about this with A level choice.

If he does separate science at gcse as well as history and a language he's keeping his options nicely open.

My eldest dropped separate science at gcse but she was very clear that a science degree or medicine was not where she was headed. She has a clear interest and ability in history/philosophy/english literature- she'll probably end up doing those at a level. DH and I did history/philosophy degrees so although I don't think we have ever set out to encourage the same maybe she has picked up our interests or ways of thinking.

But unless your son is really clear then separate science is a good idea.

Also there are loads of great careers you can do starting out with a history degree, if it is from a good uni and at least a 2.1.

We're doing gcse choices at the moment for my year 9 daughter. She's hellbent on being a doctor and has been for some time so we're supporting either triple science, further maths, geography and Spanish. Alevels will naturally be biology, chemistry and maths no doubt

Don't worry about it - let him choose what he enjoys and is interested in. The school will overload him with careers information anyway, it does not need to come from you. He will dread the word "careers" appearing on his timetable soon, it will all be so long and detailed and complicated.

@fourhundredandsomething not all schools offer great careers advice so I actually think a discussion at home too is best as you know your child better than school ever will.