Adopt a Fresh Approach to Goal-Setting and Networking

Encourage your child to set goals and work toward achieving them. Don’t let fate deal the cards! In other words, don’t let your child accept the first opportunity that comes her way just because she’s afraid it may be the only opportunity. An Hispanic businessman says that “As minorities we are so used to not having a full range of favorable choices that we tend to seize either the first or the wrong opportunity. Whatever turns up too often decides the direction of our professional lives” (The Minority Career Guide, 9). Your child needs to plan, set goals, and follow through on all plans that are right for her. If an opportunity arises that she doesn’t feel is right for her, she should not take it!

Also encourage your child to contact people and/or join organizations that she may not normally contact or join. One source says that “the biggest disadvantage minorities face when trying to find a job, move around within an industry, or break into a new field is that far too many operate in exclusive minority networks. Unless you want to limit your career opportunities, you must tap into non-minority networks” (The Minority Career Guide, 35). Expanding her connections may open up opportunities she had not thought of before.

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10 Success Tips for Multicultural Students

Find a Mentor
Communicate with Teachers and other Professionals
Encourage a “Can Do” Attitude
Praise Your Child
Use Your Resources
Encourage Peer Networking
Plan with Your Child
Adopt a Fresh Approach to Goal-Setting and Networking
Encourage Self-Assessment
Consider “Non-Traditional” Careers