By Keith Dawn
I recently participated in the 2nd Annual Wildwood Sixth-grade Career Exploration Fair. These students expressed interest in several careers, and I had the pleasure of speaking with the ones who are interested in business management. Wait! Sixth grade? I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do in my fourth year in college. So that’s 10 full years prior to them even entering the workforce. Ten years for them is like a lifetime, but from my perspective, it goes by in a flash.
If you ever have thoughts like “Kids these days just don’t get it,” or “I’m worried about the future of the next generations,” fear no more. At least from what I witnessed, I think we’ll be in good hands.
Today’s sixth-graders are about 12 or 13 years old. They’re part of Gen Z. Some of their characteristics include being avid gamers (duh), prone to anxiety, loving travel, and being money-driven and ambitious. After meeting these future business leaders, I was not surprised by them being money-driven or ambitious. What impressed me most was the thought-provoking questions asked. Aside from the frequently asked question of “How much money will I make?”, some of them asked things like “What skills are important for a business manager?”, “What’s the difference between a manager and an owner?”, and “Can anyone start their own business?” I thought these to be very good questions.
It’s wonderful to see that these sixth-graders are already showing an interest in business management as a potential career path. Encouraging and nurturing their curiosity at this stage can help set them on a path to success in the future. As mentors, coaches, teachers and parents, here are a few suggestions on how we can support their interests.
Encourage exploration: This can include reading books, watching educational videos, or even attending local business-related events. Help them understand different roles within businesses and the skills required for each.
Teach basic financial literacy: Introduce the students to the fundamentals of finance, such as budgeting, saving, and the concept of profit and loss. This will provide them with a solid foundation for understanding the financial aspects of business.
Foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills: Business requires strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Encourage the students to think critically about real-world business challenges and come up with creative solutions. This can be done through group discussions, case studies, or even small business simulations.
Promote entrepreneurship: Consider introducing the concept of entrepreneurship to the students. Encourage them to think about innovative business ideas and create simple business plans. This can help develop their entrepreneurial mindset and provide valuable insights into the world of business management.
Connect with business professionals: If possible, arrange for guest speakers from the business community to visit the class or set up virtual meetings with professionals in the field. This can give the students a firsthand perspective on business and inspire them through real-world examples.
Provide mentorship opportunities: Seek out mentorship programs or connect the students with local professionals who work in business. Mentors can offer guidance, share their experiences, and provide valuable advice as the students navigate their interests and potential career paths.
Remember, at this age, it’s important to provide a well-rounded education and exposure to various fields of interest. Encourage them to explore other subjects as well, so as to develop a broad range of knowledge and skills.
Until next time, have a successful week.
Keith is a seasoned media executive and former publisher for The Press of Atlantic City.
Keith is now a business coach/advisor and CEO of his own consulting firm called Strategic Growth Partners. He’s passionate about helping businesses grow. He can be reached at keith.dawn@sgpCoach.com or you can visit his website for more detailed information at https://www.sgpcoach.com.
