PHU XUAN UNIVERSITY

FACULTY OF FOREIGN LANGUAGES AND TOURISM

PROJECT REPORT
SUBJECT: COMMUNICATION 3

TITLE: Young people should follow in their parents’

footsteps when choosing a profession


Presenters :
NGUYEN THI NHU QUYNH
NGUYEN THI MUOI PHUONG

Class: NNA – VB2 – K4

Supervisor: MS. Trần Triệu Thanh

Hue, 11th February, 2025

 TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. Acknowledgements
II. Presentation
II.1 Introduction
II.2 Arguments for young people should follow their parents’
footsteps when choosing a profession
II.3 Arguments Against young people should follow their parents’
footsteps when choosing a profession
II.4 Conclusion
III. Role play
IV. Apendix
 I. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Phu Xuan University for
providing a supportive and enriching learning environment throughout our
academic journey.
We extend my deepest thanks to our instructor, Tran Trieu Thanh, for her
invaluable guidance, encouragement, and assistance during the preparation and
completion of this project. Her expertise and constructive feedback have been
instrumental in shaping this essay.
Furthermore, we also extend our appreciation to my peers for their insightful
discussions and encouragement, which have enriched our understanding of the
topic. Additionally, we are thankful to the authors and researchers whose work has
provided a foundation for my analysis and arguments. Their contributions to the
field have been a significant resource for this essay.
Thank you all sincerely!
Hue, 11th February, 2025
.

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 II. PRESENTATION
2.1 Introduction
Choosing a career is an extremely important decision that affects a person’s
future life, so it becomes difficult issue for parents and young people themselves to
make the right decision. Parents should no longer be parents but should become
friends who give the most objective advice that is most suitable for their children.
There is a point of view that children should follow their parents' profession,
while there is also an opposite view that children should not follow their parents'
footsteps. In this essay, we will discuss both of these two opinions.

Figure 1 – Some factors affect choosing a job

2.2. Arguments for young people should follow their parents’ footsteps when
choosing a profession
2.2.1 Guidance and Support
A significant advantage when children choose the same jobs with their parents is
the ability to receive mentorship and advice directly from the parent. Parents can offer
insight into the day-to-day realities of the job, give tips for success, and guide their
children through the necessary steps. Parents who have been in a profession for a long
time can offer valuable insights and advice and they are already to share their experience
with their children. They know the ins and outs of the field so they can help their sons
and daughters avoid common mistakes and navigate the challenges they may face.
Parents can share stories, knowledge, skills about their work that their children can learn.
This makes it easier for children to understand the career and feel it is a natural choice.

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 Having the same career also makes family relationships better. Family members
will always have something to discuss with each other. The same professions bring
people together.

Figure 2- Guidance and Support

There are many famous artists, and their children have followed in their footsteps
and continued their parents' legacy in the entertainment industry. Here are some
examples:
Charlie Chaplin, the legendary silent film actor. He has 11 children and 9 of them
followed his career, pursued acting and directing. Geraldine Chaplin – the most
successful child following in her father's footsteps.
Will Smith is a major star in the film industry, and his son Jaden Smith has also
pursued an acting career. Jaden has starred in famous films such as "The Pursuit of
Happyness" (2006) alongside his father and "The Karate Kid" (2010).
Tom Hanks is one of the most famous actors in Hollywood, and his son Colin
Hanks has also pursued an acting career with impressive roles.
These examples show that not only talented artists but also their families often
inspire and create opportunities for their children to pursue this career
2.2.2 Familiarity
Familiarity of choosing the same career with parents mentions the comfort or
inclination that children may feel. When young people follow their parents’ professional
jobs they might already be familiar with the field and its demands. If parents have a

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stable and successful career, following that path could provide a sense of job stability,
especially if the industry has been steady for many years.
This can arise from various factors, both practical and emotional. Here's an
exploration of why this might happen:
- Influence and Role Models
Parents are often the first role models for children. If a parent has a certain
profession, the child may naturally view that career as desirable or fulfilling, especially if
the parent is successful or passionate about their work. Seeing their parents navigate their
career with confidence may inspire children to follow a similar path, believing that it's a
proven or secure option
- Shared Knowledge and Skills
Children growing up in households where a specific profession is common may
have been exposed to that field from a young age. They might have gained early insights,
learned the required skills, or even experienced the work environment. This exposure can
make it easier for them to feel familiar and comfortable with pursuing the same career.
For instance, a child of a doctor might have witnessed medical procedures or heard about
healthcare challenges at home, leading them to consider a medical career.
2.2.3 Family tradition
Family tradition refers to the customs, values, and practices that are passed down
from one generation to the next. In some families, following a parent’s career can become
a part of this tradition, representing continuity, respect for past achievements, and a sense
of belonging to a specific profession.
In some cultures and some families, a certain career or industry might be a long-
standing tradition. Children may feel a sense of duty or pride in continuing that legacy.
For example, multiple generations in a family may have been teachers, engineers, or
entrepreneurs, and following the same path can symbolize continuity and honor for past
generations. People take pride in continuing a tradition of work or profession, whether it's
in a family business or a respected field.
2.2.4 Easier transition

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 An easier transition when children choose the same jobs as their parents relate to
the smoother process of adapting to a career, given the familiarity and support from the
parent’s profession.
Children who grow up in a household where a parent works in a particular field
often have a deep familiarity with the job. Even if they don’t work in it themselves right
away, they may have heard stories about the job, observed their parent at work, or
understood the skills and challenges involved. This helps them feel more comfortable and
prepared when entering the same career.
2.2.5 Built-in Network
When children choose to enter the same profession or industry as their parents,
they often benefit from these existing connections, which can make their career journey
smoother.
Parents who have worked in a specific field for years often have a wide network of
colleagues, clients, and business partners. Their children can receive advantages from
these connections, gaining access to job opportunities, industry events, insider
knowledge, or guidance from colleagues, all of which reduce the uncertainty and stress
when they start a new field.
With the connections established by the parent, children may find it easier to get
their foot in the door in the same industry, whether through job recommendations,
internships, or networking events that their parent may invite them to.
2.3 Arguments Against young people should follow parents’ careers
One of the main reasons against following a parent's career is that it may not
align with the child's own interests and passions. Pursuing a career just because a
parent did it can lead to a lack of fulfillment and motivation. Young people may
feel stuck or dissatisfied in a job they chose out of obligation, rather than personal
desire.
2.3.1 Lack of Personal Passion

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 One of the biggest drawbacks if youth choose the same job with their parents
is that children may not truly have a passion for the work. If they only choose a
career solely due to family pressure or tradition, they may feel a lack of motivation
and satisfaction in their job. This can lead to discomfort, fatigue, and ultimately a
lack of drive to strive in the profession.
If children feel obligated to follow a path set by their parents, they may lose
interest in the journey because it feels more like a duty than a choice. The lack of
autonomy in decision-making can stifle their passion or excitement for the work.
2.3.2 Pressure from Family Expectations
When children follow their parents' career path, especially in very succeful
families, there can be immense pressure from both the parents and the family to
maintain or advance this career. Excessive expectations can result in stress and
anxiety which make the child feel insecure or unable to achieve comparable
success.
2.3.3 Lack of Creativity and Independence
By following their parents' career, children may miss the opportunity to
explore and develop their own abilities and interests. Pursuing a predetermined
path can limit their creativities and freedom to explore other professions, prevent
them from fully realizing their potential.
2.3.4 Not suitable with the current job market
A career that parents pursued in the past may no longer be relevant or
growing in recent job market. Traditional jobs may be facing significant changes
due to technology, automation, or alterations in social demands. Therefore,
following the career path chosen by their parents may not provide long-term
growth opportunities for the child.
2.3.5 Difficulties in building their own identity

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 When children choose the same job as their parents, they may face
challenges in developing their own identity and career. They are being compared to
their parents' achievements, so it can be harder for them to establish their unique
skills. This can affect their self-confidence and independence, as they may feel
overshadowed by their parents' success and expectations.
2.4 Conclusion
Although following a parent's career path can offer many advantages like
support, experience, mentorship, familiarity, stability and an established
network, ...It is important to consider the limitations like lack of personal interest,
. When young people choose future career, they should consider between negative
and positive sides. They should make career decisions based on their own
strengths, interests, and the opportunities available to them. Giving them the
freedom to choose their own path can lead to a more fulfilling and successful
future.
Therefore, allowing children the freedom to choose their own career while
receiving support and guidance from their parents will help them have a more well-
rounded opportunity for growth.

III. ROLE PLAY

NGUYEN THI NHU QUYNH Design slides, write the final document.
Present Introduction, Arguments for
young people should follow in parents’
careers.
NGUYEN THI MUOI PHUONG Collect images and data to illustrate.
Present Arguments Against young
people should follow in parents’
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careers, Conclusion.

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 IV. APENDIX

1. Article: "Following in the Family Footsteps"

 Source: Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond

 Summary: This article explores the phenomenon of children entering their parents'
professions, discussing the economic reasons behind this choice and examining the
concept of occupational immobility.
 https://www.richmondfed.org/publications/research/econ_focus/2017/q4/feature1

2. Article: "Should I Follow in My Parent's Career Footsteps?"

 Source: JobsPeopleDo.com
 Summary: This piece discusses the considerations young people should take into account
when deciding whether to pursue the same career as their parents, emphasizing the
importance of personal interest and the potential for multiple career changes throughout
one's life.
 https://www.nytimes.com/2017/12/01/learning/will-you-follow-in-your-parents-
footsteps.html

3. Article: "Some People Believe That Young People Should Follow in Their Parents'
Footsteps When Choosing a Career"

 Source: Engnovate.com
 Summary: This article presents arguments for and against young people following their
parents' career paths, discussing the benefits of shared knowledge and stability versus the
importance of pursuing one's own interests.

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E. Data Tables and Charts
1. Table 1: Footstep-following index

2. Chart 1:
The bar chart that illustrates the impact of salary on job satisfaction across
different sectors. The chart compares job satisfaction rates for high, moderate, and
low salary levels within the Technology, Healthcare, Finance, Education, and
Manufacturing sectors.

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