Halloween Costumes and Career Aspirations: Bridging the Gap for the Next Generation
6 min read
Exposure = Opportunity
As a child, Halloween was always about fun, candy, and of course, the costumes. Many of us remember dressing up as the typical career heroes—doctors, firefighters, pilots, and police officers. Maybe some of us dreamed of being an astronaut, a teacher, or a veterinarian. These are iconic roles that we easily recognized and admired, even from a young age. But as I’ve come to realize, not every career fits neatly into a Halloween costume, and that can have a lasting impact on which career paths children become aware of—and ultimately pursue.
The truth is many of the jobs we hold as adults don’t have costumes. Children rarely dress up as someone who works in finance, IT, supply chain management, or marketing strategy—yet these roles are essential to running the world around us. Kids aren't running around with calculators on Halloween saying they want to be investment bankers or dressed up in blazers pretending to be business consultants.
So, why does this matter?
It's important to equalize the privilege of awareness. Not all children grow up knowing about certain industries, roles, and career possibilities, and that can lead to gaps we see today in terms of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in various sectors. In fact, nearly 40% of children from underserved communities report that they don’t feel they have access to professionals or mentors in a variety of industries and are only exposed to a narrow range of careers early on, we may inadvertently limit their aspirations. Some of the roles that are essential to our modern world—like data analysts, product managers, and procurement leaders—may not even be on their radar.
Careers Without Costumes: They Run the World
It’s important to remind ourselves and the next generation that careers without costumes are just as valuable as those that have become iconic. For example:
Software engineers build the technology we depend on daily. Yet only 3% of students in low-income schools have exposure to computer science programs.
Finance analysts help make the economy tick. But African Americans make up only 7.9% of the financial services industry, a field where exposure and early mentorship are crucial.
Procurement professionals keep the supply chain functioning in ways that impact everything from food availability to public safety.
Without these roles, the systems that govern our world would fall apart. Encouraging children to see the value in these “invisible” careers is crucial for broadening their understanding of what they can be when they grow up.
The Privilege of Career Awareness and DEI Gaps
One of the challenges we face in closing DEI gaps is the disparity in career awareness that children from different backgrounds experience. A recent study found that students from higher-income families are six times more likely to be exposed to a broad array of professional fields than their lower-income peers. Children from underrepresented communities may not have access to mentors or exposure to careers outside of their immediate family’s experience. This lack of exposure can make certain careers seem out of reach or simply unknown. When we think about why some industries lack diversity, part of the reason lies in who is introduced to these fields early on—and who isn't.
How We Can Help Bridge the Gap
Here’s where we as professionals come in. It's on us to give back, share our knowledge, and provide exposure to these "invisible" but important careers. Here are a few ways we can do that:
Volunteer in Schools and Community Programs
Share your professional expertise with local schools or youth programs. Career days, mentoring, or even guest-speaking about what you do can make a huge difference in expanding a child’s understanding of the opportunities that exist. Research shows that children who have career mentors are 55% more likely to aspire to and work toward professional careers later in life.
Talk to Family and Friends.
It starts close to home. Many children in your own family or community may not know what you do or the path you took to get there. Having open conversations about your work can plant seeds for future aspirations. You have your professional elevator speech, make sure you have one that's appropriate for different age levels as well to share your passion.
Leverage Online Platforms
If volunteering in person isn’t feasible, consider contributing to online platforms that reach a broad audience. Websites, podcasts, and even social media can help introduce children to the myriads of career possibilities out there.
Encourage Curiosity
Encourage the children in your life to explore their interests beyond the surface level. If a child loves video games, introduce them to coding or game design. If they love art, talk about careers in design, architecture, or animation. Help them connect their passions to practical career paths. Scroll to the bottom for some google recommended children's books that help expand their awareness.
Takeaway: Careers Without Costumes Need Champions Too
Ultimately, the message here is twofold. First, careers without costumes run the world—and they are as vital and impactful as any of the more visible professions. Second, it’s up to us to help level the playing field by sharing our knowledge and expertise with the next generation. By expanding children's understanding of career possibilities, we can play a role in closing DEI gaps and ensuring that every child, regardless of background, has the chance to explore a fulfilling career.
So, the next time you see children dressed up in their Halloween costumes as doctors, pilots, or superheroes, remember the importance of the careers that don’t have a costume—and consider how you can be a part of ensuring every child knows their potential is limitless.
BONUS BOOK SUGGESTIONS
Here are some google recommended books for different age groups that introduce children to a wide range of industries and professions:
For Early Readers:
"When I Grow Up" by Al Yankovic
This fun and whimsical book explores a variety of quirky careers, helping children imagine endless possibilities for their future while promoting curiosity about different jobs.
"Whose Tools Are These?" by Sharon Katz Cooper
This book introduces children to various tools and the jobs that use them, including carpenters, electricians, and mechanics. It’s a simple and engaging way for younger kids to learn about professions they may not be familiar with.
"ABC What Can She Be?" by Sugar Snap Studio and Jessie Ford
This ABC book helps children explore different career options for girls, from astronauts to zoologists. It highlights roles beyond traditional gender expectations and encourages exploration in STEM and other industries.
"What Do Grown-ups Do All Day?" by Virginie Morgand
This beautifully illustrated book introduces young children to a range of careers, showing people in different work settings, from hospitals to construction sites. It helps broaden awareness of industries and the jobs they include.
For Pre-Teens:
"Women in Science: 50 Fearless Pioneers Who Changed the World" by Rachel Ignotofsky
This inspiring book profiles 50 women in STEM fields, showcasing careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. It’s a fantastic introduction to underrepresented industries and role models, especially for girls.
"The Future Architect's Handbook" by Barbara Beck
A practical introduction to the field of architecture, this book explains how buildings are designed and constructed, helping pre-teens explore the creative and technical side of the industry.
"Careers: The Graphic Guide to Finding the Perfect Job For You" by DK Publishing
This comprehensive visual guide introduces pre-teens to over 400 careers, covering everything from software engineering to wildlife conservation. It provides detailed insights into the skills required for each job, making it a perfect resource for kids curious about diverse industries.
"Girls Who Code: Learn to Code and Change the World" by Reshma Saujani
This book introduces coding and computer science to young girls in an approachable and inspiring way. It showcases the power of tech careers and encourages girls to get involved in fields traditionally dominated by men.
"How to Build an Aircraft Carrier" by Chris Terrill
For kids interested in technology and engineering, this book explores the massive effort required to design, build, and run an aircraft carrier. It's a fascinating look at an industry that many children might not know about.
Bonus Book for All Ages:
"What Do You Do With an Idea?" by Kobi Yamada
While not directly focused on specific careers, this popular book encourages children to think creatively and pursue their ideas—an important message for exploring less obvious career paths, such as entrepreneurship and innovation.