Here's how your child can choose the right career path after class 12

Choosing a profession after Class 12th is confusing and it is natural for kids to be confused at this point but what you, as parents, do here can affect their career, higher studies and even their health.

You can either smooth that transition or unintentionally add pressure. Adolescents build vocational identity through exploration and talk. Parents who ask open questions help them explore possibilities without pressure. As per a 2021 study published in International Journal of Educational and Psychological Studies, family influence and support are positively significant in terms of the career process and happiness.This cross-sectional study found that family support and discussion positively affect students’ career processes and satisfaction, so regular, low-pressure conversations matter. Ask curiosity questions (“What did you enjoy most in class this year?”), share stories of people you know (not just your own path) and avoid steering with “you must” statements.In an interview with the Times of India, Ashique Ali, Senior Education Specialist at ChildFund India, shared, "For children in Class 12 in a Tier 2 or Tier 3 town, the pressure can be overwhelming.

There is a great amount of expectations from family, furthermore, it is always uncertain whether one has chosen the right path and there is also the challenge of competing with peers who may have access to more resources. For those from marginalised backgrounds, the journey is tougher.

That is why preparing for this stage is not just about textbooks. It is also about building confidence, managing stress and developing life skills."Teens who believe they can make and execute career decisions are more adaptable and persistent. Parents can scaffold confidence through small decision practice. Social support (from parents, schools, peers) boosts teenagers’ career decision self-efficacy (CDSE), which in turn increases career adaptability or the capacity to plan and cope with change. Let teens make graded decisions (subject choices, part-time jobs), coach them through pros/cons and celebrate decisions followed through.The job market shifts rapidly hence, adaptability predicts long-term career success more than early specialisation. Parents should cultivate traits, not just a job label. According to a 2009 study in Journal of Vocational Behavior, career adaptability includes concern, control, curiosity and confidence and predicts vocational development. Career adaptability is a robust construct tied to future satisfaction and coping so parents who encourage planning, agency and curiosity strengthen it.

Help teens make a 5-year sketch (not a rigid plan), support small exploratory projects and normalise changing paths.

Reduce overbearing pressure and avoid foreclosure and excessive interference. Recent studies on parental interference (2024–2025) have established that "family pressure and parental interference can impair decision self-efficacy and increase school burnout". Parental pressure to “pick the safe option” often narrows exploration and can cause regret or school burnout.

Emerging research shows that intrusive parental control or pressure can reduce teens’ confidence in their own choices and increase stress hence, supportive guidance is better than coercion.

Offer advice as options. Use “I worry” statements rather than ultimatums. Set boundaries about financial support contingent on agreed steps rather than controlling majors.Here are some tips on how kids can choose the right career path after 12th -

Start with self-analysis initially

In an interview with Times of India, Harsh Gagrani, Co-Founder and Chief Academic Officer at Toprankers, shared, "Meet with career counsellors, mentors, or individuals who already have a career of your interest.

Personality and aptitude tests are fine starting points to help clarify."

Bringing his expertise to the same, Ali said, "Those with dreams of studying abroad get early exposure through virtual mentorships, debates and essay-writing workshops."

Know the options

Gagrani suggested, "Find out other professions beyond the traditional streams, law, management, design, data analytics, public policy, and so on, are in quick expansion and offer varied opportunities.

Know the educational requirements, entrance test, employment opportunities and scope of each career."

Get guidance

Interview career advisors, advisors, or professional practitioners in your target areas. Gagrani said, "On-the-job experience will probably uncover something that text and websites can't. Parents and teachers make wonderful sounding boards, but remember that the final choice has to be for the kids' own goals, not other people's plans."

Be long-term planners

Gagrani said, "A career isn't merely the first thing your child acquires after graduation. It is what the training, flexibility and space for advancement provides in the long term."

Make an informed choice

Gagrani advised, "After you've limited the choices, plot the steps, from preparation of entry exams to acquiring skills and internships, which will lead your child closer to their objective."Proper counselling and exposure to proper opportunities can totally transform a student's life. The key is to be future oriented, curious and open to changing directions along the way. Their career is a journey. Help them take the first step after Class 12th with clear vision and confidence.