Career Guidance in the Maze of Options: Overcoming the Fear of Making Mistakes

40 percent of all students drop out of college—with over 20,000 degree programs in Germany, this isn’t a sign of a lack of opportunities, but rather an indication of poor choices. “Finding the right career is a matter of analyzing your own abilities and, above all, a matter of self-confidence”—that’s the view of the 15-member team at the young company “Mein Mutiger Weg.” It visits schools to show how things could work out—and what young people should do.

Over 20,000 degree programs, over 320 vocational training programs. Would you like a little more? Probably not. Most young people study business administration. The field promises security, much like law, or meets a need, like psychology. Together with medicine, computer science, mechanical engineering, and economics, these are the “top choices.” In the worst-case scenario, young people are pushed into certain careers by those around them. A bigger problem, however, is the fear of making mistakes, according to what was said that morning at the Steinmühle. Career guidance for 11th graders, who often don’t yet know where their journey will take them after graduation.

 

Identifying Your Own Strengths

High school graduation—what’s next? It’s a question that’s always been around. But navigating the maze of options, identifying one’s own strengths, and choosing the right path seems harder than ever. Brothers Pascal and Frederic Keller have launched a startup to improve the situation for young people: “…we’ve been there ourselves.” Now the two brothers from the Palatinate are touring the entire country with their team to tell high school students how career guidance can be effective. Their mission: “Mein Mutiger Weg” (My Courageous Path).

Using a workbook and an engaging presentation that puts them on the same level as the students and speaks their language, Pascal and Frederic Keller guide the students through the morning with numerous real-life examples. A list of professions—in no particular order—gives them a glimpse of the wide range of possibilities.

The young people on the organizing team—all under 30 themselves—admit: “Some people already know what they want to be by the eighth grade.” If that’s not the case, the goal is to identify one’s own strengths. “Why not ask classmates and friends who know you well what you’re good at?” is one suggestion.

 

Gaining Experience Through Internships

Internships can also be a great way to identify your own strengths. There are as many as 53,000 open internship positions in Germany. If you find one that interests you, it’s time to start applying—another step, another hurdle. What does the hiring manager want to hear?

When asked about their strengths during job interviews, many applicants gave standard answers. “I’m reliable,” “I’m creative”—these kinds of responses hardly impress anyone anymore. Instead, it’s about sharing what you’ve already accomplished on your own, what you’ve actually done—even outside of school—even if it’s unusual. “Have the confidence to talk about what you’re capable of.” A story, an example. That’s how hiring managers can see which direction you’re headed. Your career choice is a success when you can apply your strengths as often as possible in your day-to-day work—when you can make a reality of what’s important to you in life.”

 

Digital Help

Along the way, participants can also take advantage of digital resources for career guidance. These include simulated job interviews and help navigating the maze of available opportunities. The organizing team invites followers to check out its Instagram channel @meinmutigerweg and also recommends the platforms www.traumjob-campus.de and www.berufenet.arbeitsagentur.de.

The Federal Employment Agency’s career counseling service was specifically recommended by the “Mutmacher-Crew” as one of several key components. For students at Steinmühle, Annerose Glöckner is the designated career counselor at the Federal Employment Agency in Marburg. She was also present at the Steinmühle event; among other things, she can help students find internships and offers individual counseling for students in the E-phase. Contact: annerose.gloeckner@arbeitsagentur.de. The contact person for career guidance at Steinmühle is Dr. Claudia Röder.