Helping Your Children Launch a Successful Career before Age 30: Working with Your Son and Daughter to Get Them Off the Family Payroll

By Dr. Michael V. Mulligan

“This book can assist parents in helping their young adults develop and execute a growth plan for each year in high school, college and the post college years that will guide and prepare them for the right career.”

- Robert Keith, Past President, Board of Education, Joseph Sears School, Kenilworth

, Illinois

Dr. Mulligan wrote Helping Your Children Launch a Successful Career before Age 30 for parents who would like to help their children launch the right career. He calls this book the Parents’ Seven Step Coaching Model, a process that will get your children off the family payroll. Dr. Mulligan also wrote a book for the son and daughter titled Placing Myself on the Right Career Route by Age 30: My High School, College and Post College Plans. The content of the young adult’s book is similar to the content in the parent’s book. The two books are meant to bring a family together to help the young adult develop and execute yearly plans in high school, college and the post college years that will help him/her maximize his/her educational experience and launch the right career before age 30.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Jan 27, 2011
• ISBN: 9781450289221

Dr. Michael V. Mulligan

DR. MICHAEL V. MULLIGAN obtained his Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Georgia, M.A. in Counseling from Michigan State University and B.A. from Alma College. Dr. Mulligan is founder and CEO of Mulligan & Associates, a 30 year old career management consulting firm that has helped over 10,000 individuals move their career forward. He has personally been an executive counselor and coach to 100 CEOs, 500 Chief Level Officers and over 1500 executives and managers from different industries. Dr. Mulligan created the Triangle Team Leadership Model, three work manuals, that can help team unit leaders transform their direct reports into leaders in their field and the unit into the best in it’s functional area/industry.

Book preview

Working with your son and daughter to get them off the family payroll

Helping Your Children

Launch a Successful

Career before Age 30

Introducing the Parents’ Seven Step Career Coaching Model, a process

that parents can use to help their children launch a successful career.

By Michael V. Mulligan Ph.D., CMF

Executive Director

The Young Professional Career Launching Center

www.careerlaunchingcenter.com

Copyright ©-Mulligan 2011

iUniverse, Inc.

Bloomington

Helping Your Children

Launch a Successful

Career before Age 30

Copyright © 2011 by Dr. Michael V. Mulligan

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means,

graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any

information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the publisher

except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

iUniverse

1663 Liberty Drive

Bloomington, IN 47403

www.iuniverse.com

1-800-Authors (1-800-288-4677)

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any Web addresses or links contained in this

book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in

this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher,

and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

ISBN: 978-1-4502-8921-4 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4502-8922-1 (ebk)

Contents

Step One- Parents Will Learn About Career Management Concepts

Task One-Parents need to fill out the Career Management Competency Survey below and identify what they want to know about career management.

Task Two-Parents need to understand various career definitions

Task Three Parents need to learn the Route 555 Career Management Model © so they can use it with their children.

Task Four- Parents need to learn the 15 proven career pathing strategies and discuss them with their children

Step Two Parents should Learn and Execute the Helping Communications Model, (counseling, coaching, guiding and advising your children)

Task One- Parents should evaluate themselves as a helper (counselor, coach and advisor)

Task Two-Parents need to learn The Helping Communications Model© We will discuss what parents need to know about helping and then cover the two dimensions of The Helping Communications Model.. This model will help parents sharpen their counseling and coaching skills so they can help their child understand and solve problems but also develop plans for the future and achieve them.

Step Three- Parents should learn about their child’s generation, peer group and child.

Task One-Parents need to understand their child’s generation and where their child fits in with this generation.

Task Two-Parents need to understand their child’s peer group and identify the ways the group is influencing their child

Task Three-Parents should suggest to their children that they go through in-depth assessment and counseling to learn about themselves so they can make better career and life decisions.

Step Four Parents need to review the dynamics of their own family for the purpose of working together in the planning process.

Task One-Understand what other parents are doing_to help their children

Task Two-Evaluate Yourselves as Helicopter Parents

Task Three- Learn the group dynamics of the family so your children don’t feel like they have to please you in making their decisions.

Step Five- Parents need to help their student develop and execute a High School Plan

Task One- Work with your student to develop a High School Plan using the Route 555 Career Management Model

Task Two- Career Selection-Ask your children to take assessment instruments to learn about themselves and then go to school and local resources to learn about the world of work.

Task Three- Career Selection-Work with your children to review positions in 12 the 10 groups that are in the Enhanced Occupational Outlook Handbook

Task Four- Career Selection-Parents should review with their children the 115 top projected career positions until 2014

Task Five -Career Selection Review the majors offered at colleges and universities.

Task Six- Career/College Preparation and Placement-Parents should execute a five phase career/college preparation and placement program with their children so they enroll in the right college

Task Seven-Career/High School Advancement/Fulfillment- Help your children become a self manager so they start to do things for themselves

Step Six- Parents need to help their children develop and execute a College Plan

Task One- Work with your student to develop and execute a five year College Plan using the Route 555 Career Management Model

Task Two-Career Selection- Help your children target the right career field, major and curriculum while in college

Task Three-Career Selection- Help your children identify their career aspiration and ask yourself is their career aspiration the same as yours.

Task Four-Career Preparation -Parents should work with their children to identify the challenges they will be facing each year in college

Task Five- Career/College Advancement- Parents should review with their children why only 34% of freshmen nationally graduate in four years and then develop and execute a graduation plan.

Task Six- Career Placement- Develop and execute a four year strategy with your student to have a job offer at graduation.

Task Seven- Career/College Fulfillment-Ask your children fill out the College Satisfaction Survey and develop a plan to enjoy their college experience.

Step Seven- Help your children develop and execute a Post College Plan so they can launch a successful career before age 30.

Task One- Work with your children to develop a Post College Plan using the Route 555 Career Management Model

Task Two-Career Selection-Help your children target the right career path and select the positions that will advance their career.

Task Three- Career Preparation- Parents should work with their children to identify and meet the challenges they will be facing in their twenties.

Task Four -Career Placement- Parents should work with their children and make sure they know how to conduct a job search

Task Five- Career Advancement— Read and discuss what the professionals SSsay are the key factors to career advancement

Task Six-Career Advancement- Help your children map out a career pathing strategy.

Task Seven- Career Advancement/Fulfillment— Help your children select and complete the appropriate graduate and professional school or career educational program.

Appendix A

Appendix B

Appendix C

Appendix D

Appendix E

Appendix F

Bibliography

Something to Remember

A message every adult should read because children are watching you and doing as you do,

not as you say.

WHEN YOU THOUGHT I WASN’T LOOKING

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you hang my first painting on the refrigerator and I

immediately wanted to paint another one.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you feed a stray cat and I learned that it was good

to be kind to animals.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you make my favorite cake for me and I learned

that the little things can be the special things in life.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I heard you say a prayer and I knew that there is a God I

could always talk to, and I learned to trust in Him.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you make a meal and take it to a friend who was

sick and I learned that we all have to help take care of each other.

When you thought I wasn’t looking I saw you take care of our house and everyone in it and I

learned we have to take care of what we are given.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw how you handled your responsibilities, even when

you didn’t feel good. I learned that I would have to be responsible when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw tears come from your eyes and I learned that

sometimes things hurt but it’s all right to cry..

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw that you cared and I wanted to be everything that I

could be.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I learned most of life’s lessons that I need to know to be a

good and productive person when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I looked at you and wanted to say, ‘Thanks for all the

things I saw when you thought I wasn’t looking.’

Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly.

Unknown Author

Something to Remember

Get Up and Win That Race!

Whenever I start to hang my head in front of failure’s face,

My downward fall is broken by the memory of a race.

A children’s race, young boys, young men; how I remember well,

Excitement sure, but also fear, it wasn’t hard to tell.

They all lined up so full of hope, each thought to win that race

Or tie for first, or if not that, at least take second place.

Their parents watched from off the side, each cheering for their son.

And each boy hoped to show his folks that he would be the one.

The whistle blew and off they flew, like chariots of fire,

To win, to be the hero there, was each young boy’s desire.

One boy in particular, whose dad was in the crowd,

Was running in the lead and thought My dad will be so proud.

But as he speeded down the field and crossed a shallow dip,

The little boy who thought he’d win, lost his step and slipped.

Trying hard to catch himself, his arms flew everyplace,

And midst the laughter of the crowd he fell flat on his face.

As he fell, he felt terrible; he couldn’t win it now.

But as he fell his dad stood up and showed his anxious face,

Which to the boy so clearly said, Get up and win that race!

He quickly rose, no damage done, behind a bit that’s all,

And ran with all his mind and might to make up for his fall.

So anxious to restore himself, to catch up and to win,

His mind went faster than his legs. He slipped and fell again.

I’m hopeless as a runner now, I shouldn’t try to race.

But through the laughing crowd he searched and found his father’s face

With a steady look that said again, Get up and win that race!

So he jumped up to try again, ten yards behind the last.

If I’m to gain those yards, he thought, I’ve got to run real fast!

Exceeding everything he had, he regained eight, then ten…

But trying hard to catch the lead, he slipped and fell again.

Defeat! He lay there. A tear dropped from his eye.

"There’s no sense running anymore! Three strikes I’m out! Why try?

I’ve lost, so what’s the use? he thought. I’ll live with my disgrace."

But then he thought about his dad, who soon he’d have to face.

Get up, an echo sounded low, "you haven’t lost at all,

For all you have to do to win is rise each time you fall.

Get up! the echo urged him on, Get up and take your place!

You were not meant for failure here! Get up and win that race!"

So, up he rose to run once more, refusing to forfeit,

And he resolved that win or lose, at least he wouldn’t quit.

So far behind the others now, the most he’d ever been,

Still he gave it all he had and ran like he could win.

Three times he’d fallen stumbling, three times he rose again.

Too far behind to hope to win, he still ran to the end.

They cheered another boy who crossed the line and won first place,

Head high and proud and happy - no falling, no disgrace.

But, when the fallen youngster crossed the line, in last place,

The crowd gave him a greater cheer for finishing the race.

And even though he came in last with head bowed low, not very proud,

You would have thought he’d won the race, to listen to the crowd.

And to his dad he sadly said, I didn’t do so well.

To me, you won, his father said. You rose each time you fell.

And now when things seem dark and bleak and difficult to face,

The memory of that little boy helps me in my own race.

For all you have to do to win is rise each time you fall.

And when depression and despair shout loudly in my face,

Another voice within me says, Get up and win that race!

Author Unknown

Comments from the Author

If we were to ask parents what their primary role is today in raising their children, most would say their job is to be supportive and provide their children with food, shelter, clothing, and money to pay for their expenses up to a certain age. In regard to career planning, career preparation and career placement, many parents think their children’s career mentors are the educators at the high school, college and the managers in the workplace.

If you are a parent that views your role as a provider and supporter and not a career coach, you might want to reexamine your thought process. You might be disappointed the way your child’s career and life turns out if you put your child’s career decision making and coaching entirely in the hands of others. You are rolling the dice that your child will be successful without your help and guidance. You should ask yourself three questions?

• Who has helped or will be helping my child with career planning in high school?

• Who has helped or will be helping my child with career planning in college?

• Who has helped or will be helping my child with career planning at work?

Parents need to join forces with educators and other professionals to help their children launch a successful career path. Because the world of work is more complex today and college costs are soaring, parents need to become a partner with their children and develop a career and educational plan that fits their student. They say more Americans should consider other options such as technical training or a two year post secondary college program that Europe has embraced for decades. In America, we say we want all of our young people to have a college education. However, Federal statistics show 36% of full time students who started college in 2003 earned a four year degree in four years and 57% in six years. The average student debt for four years of college in 2009 was $23,200. The longer it takes to finish college, the more debt the family will accumulate and it will take years to pay it off.

Family members need to put there heads together and develop a high school, college and post college plan. Ask yourselves this question, should our student start out at an expensive four year college or begin at a community college and then attend the private college or state university to save money for graduate or professional school? Maybe you as a family can do some research and develop a college and career plan that maximizes your investment in a higher education program. On the October 18th, 2010, NBC 5 p.m. news, it was reported that 8% of college students enter a career related to their major. It was also reported that 15% of college graduates have a job at graduation. You should ask the colleges where your children apply about their job placement record. You want your children to obtain a good education but you also want the college degree to help your student obtain a job and launch a career.

Parents need to educate themselves so they can be more effective in helping their children with career targeting (industry, positions) career preparation (trade/technical schools, colleges, graduate and professional school and seminars) and career placement (resumes/letters, job search campaign, interviewing). Parents can also be a sounding board to help their young leader develop a career advancement strategy and gain fulfillment from work.

Your young professional should be in their career starting stage and moving forward to the career advancement stage before age 30. We chose the age of 30 as the bench mark to be in a career because the world of work is more complex and changing which makes it more difficult to make a decision. Also, one might not get out of graduate/professional school until age 30.

This book was written to help parents become an effective helper (counselor, career coach, and advisor) to their children. I have developed The Parent’s Seven Step Career Coaching Model to assist parents in helping their children develop and execute a high school, college and post college plan that will put them into the right career before age 30. While parents have this book to guide them, I have written another book which corresponds with this book that will help your young adult plan and launch a successful career before age 30. The book is My High School, College and Post College Plans. Your students can use this book to put themselves on the right career route. You can work with your student and have them write out and execute a Success Plan each year. The seven steps in this book are listed below.

The first step is for parents to learn the Route 555 Career Management Model and 15 proven career pathing strategies that they can discuss with their son or daughter.

The second step is to for parents to learn the Helping Communications Model, a process parents can use with their son/daughter during the high school, college and post college years. The model discusses how parents can build a relationship with their children, help their children analyze their situation and make appropriate plans and achieve the defined plans.

The third step is for to parents to understand their child’s peer group and generation and their child. It is difficult to help your children if you don’t know or understand them.

The fourth step is for parents to understand the differences between themselves and their children. Parents should do the things right for their children, not themselves.

The fifth step helps parents build a High School Plan with their student. Parents need to work with their child to create a post high school career target, take the appropriate high school curriculum and select a college that has a major congruent with the career target and offers a well rounded education. The plan also includes finding a college that gives college credit for Advanced Placement Test scores and departmental exams, offers a good financial aid package and gives your children the best chance to graduate.

The sixth step helps parents build a College Plan with their student. Parents can help their child select the right major, build their resume through college experiences and graduate on time with a good job and career plan

The seventh step helps parents develop a Post College Plan with their young professional. This includes charting a career path, obtaining the right work positions, attending graduate or professional school and launching the right career before age 30.

Michael V. Mulligan Ph.D. CMF

Something to Remember

I am my career and my career is me

and I have a choice of what my career can be.

Michael V. Mulligan Ph.D. CMF

Step One-

Parents Will Learn About Career Management Concepts

Task One-Parents need to fill out the Career Management Competency Survey and identify what they need to know about career management.

Task Two-Parents need to understand various career definitions

Task Three Parents need to learn the Route 555 Career Management Model so they can use it with their children.

Task Four- Parents need to review the 15 proven career pathing strategies and discuss them with their young adult.

Task One-Parents need to fill out the Career Management Competency Survey below and identify what they want to know about career management.

If you are going to be a career coach to your children, you need to evaluate what you know and do not know about managing a career. Read the following 15 statements below and rank them in order of your need to become an expert on the subject. We will ask your young adult to fill out a 100 item Self and Career Management Competency Survey in My High School, College and Post College Plans book. You can review their results with them and this information can be helpful in developing a H.S., College and Post College Plan. Rank the following 15 statements 1 to 15 with 1 representing a strong need to know and 15 representing a lesser need to know. The seven steps in this book will cover most of the aspects of the 15 topics below.

___1. I need to know who can evaluate and identify the strengths and weaknesses of my children so they can select the right career field, college major and develop a career plan.

___2. I need to know more about the world of work, industries, functional areas, positions, where the future jobs will be and who will be hiring people.

___3. I need to know how to help my children develop and execute a high school growth plan.

___4. I need to know more about my children and the undergraduate postsecondary schools (trade, technical, community college, private and public colleges and universities) that would be best for them to attend.

___5 .I need to know more about financial aid so we know how much money we might receive as well as borrow to send our children to certain postsecondary schools.

___6. I need to know more about credit by examination so my children can exempt certain college courses and have the flexibility of graduating earlier and majoring in two areas.

___7. I need to understand my children’s ACT and SAT results and know how these tests compare to the GMATS (Business Graduate School), LSAT (Law School) Graduate Record Exam (Graduate School), MCAT (Medical Colleges).

___8. I need to know about the 150 plus majors one can take in college and the advantages of a liberal arts college, a state university, community college or trade school.

__ 9. I need to understand myself, my children, their peer group and the differences.

___10 I need to know how to help my children develop and execute a college growth plan. ___11 I need to know how college students can obtain work internships.

___12 I need to know how to help my children develop and execute a post college employment plan so they get off to a good start in their career journey.

___13 I need to know more about graduate and professional schools and their programs..

___14. I need to know how to communicate with my children and help them manage their career journey so they can move forward and enjoy their life..

___15. I need to know how to be a more effective career coach and helper to my children without being labeled a helicopter parent.

Task Two-Parents need to understand various career definitions

We will define career path, career field and career position and review the Route 555 Career Management Model with you.

Definitions

A career