The Little Careers Book

INTRODUCTION Despite the prevalence of accurate information about careers, there remains a great deal of misinformation, creating self-reinforcing myths about certain careers that can have the unfortunate effect of either falsely attracting (or falsely putting off) student interest. On one hand, students who are unknowingly attracted to a career due to misinformation might focus on preparing for and choosing a pathway to that career only to realise later on that the career does not suit them well. On the other hand, students put off considering a career due to misinformation might avoid preparing for and choosing a pathway to that career, only to realise later on that the career would have suited them well. And, furthermore, students who are strongly attracted to – but misinformed about – a career often put on ‘blinders’ from an early age, preventing them from considering other careers that may be equally, if not more, suitable to them. All of these situations are unfortunate, for when career truths and myths reveal themselves to students too late, changing direction can be extremely difficult…or simply impractical. Thus, it is important to affirm truths and bust myths about careers early on. We hope this booklet, written using the career insights of Old Abingdonians and Parents, helps to do just that. Michael Windsor Michael Triff Headmaster Head of Career Guidance Abingdon School Abingdon School