Family Talk about Future Careers

When I was a teenager, most girls had no idea how broad their career choices really were; we grew up in two-parent families with mothers who rarely worked outside the house. If they did, they were teachers, secretaries, nurses or retail workers. Not one girl in my high-school graduating class became an engineer, welder, architect or builder.

But they could have. Today, the choices for boys and girls are broad and wide and exciting. There are careers - web designer, for example - we never dreamed of a few decades ago.

There's a lot of talk and action in our community today that centers around training local people for local jobs. Company leaders say they want to hire local. But they - and we - need parents to talk to this children about the wide choices of jobs available locally. From CNC machinist to chemist, from welder to college instructor, our community offers a vast array of employment opportunities for people with the right training.

And we've got training, whether it's at UW-Marinette, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, in high-school shop classes, or on the job. You can get trained for a good solid career (and as a result, experience a high quality of life) right here in Marinette-Menominee.

But, kids and parents, you've got some exploring to do. And the holidays are a good time to start the process by talking and thinking.

Parents, find a natural opening in the conversation to bring up the subject of careers. Kids, think about what your interests are, what you like to do and how you want to live. Use the Internet to check local job listings. Check our Web page at www.mandmchamber.com for a list of jobs and a list of local companies.

Check with NWTC or UW-Marinette about training and education. Both campuses have experts on staff who can give you information to get you started. Don't forget the guidance office at your own school. Talk to neighbors and relatives. Call the chamber (715-735-6681) and we'll talk to you.

I'm betting most local companies would love to give you information about the jobs they offer. They may offer you a tour or hook you up with a job shadow or mentor.

It's never to early to start thinking about the future. It should be a conversation for parents AND children.

Get started now over Christmas dinner.

And Merry Christmas to you!