Princess And President Vie As Kids' Career Choices

Posted by Nick Niesen on October 28th, 2010

Young people report that family members wield a lot of influence when it comes to choosing a career. They also think super hero, whale trainer and princess are still some of the coolest jobs around.

These are just some of the key findings revealed in a survey conducted by Adecco, the world's largest staffing company. The survey asked 245 children ages 6 to 14 about their career expectations.

The coolest job in the universe? The more intriguing choices include Disney World employee, super hero, whale trainer, roller coaster designer and princess. One family-oriented boy thought the coolest job is being a dad.

Many girls 13-14 are drawn to the health sciences (42 percent), especially physical therapy and veterinary medicine. Teenaged boys opted for such pursuits as psychiatry, herpetology, and acting.

Girls 10 to 12 are interested in medicine (37 percent), teaching (33 percent), and the performing arts (10 percent). The most popular choice for boys 10 to 12 is athlete (23 percent).

Boys 6 to 9 have varied goals, the largest block (17 percent) opting for police work. Sports and acting were popular choices, and possibly reflecting world events, several plan to join the Army. A budding paleontologist is preparing for his job by "digging the chips out of chocolate chip cookies."

For 42 percent of girls 6 to 9 years old, teaching was the winner. Medicine, the most popular choice in the previous survey, was runner-up in this survey.

Since President of the United States is perhaps the biggest job there is, the survey asked children the most important things they would do as president. Priorities included housing the homeless, ending world hunger, and protecting the environment. Homeland Security issues such as "making sure that everyone in the country is safe" and "ending all wars" were mentioned.

Other answers included "make healthcare free for everyone," "build more Krispy Kreme doughnut shops," and "try to be ready for everything."

This survey, while not the most scientific, clearly shows that career considerations begin early. Based on this survey, Adecco foresees that tomorrow's workforce will contribute greatly to society with their intelligence and wit, and that they understand the importance of balance between work and family.

In a recent survey of young people's opinions about careers, one boy thought the coolest job is being a dad.