Don't Be Discouraged: The Quiet Power of Career Conversations

If you've ever had a career conversation with a young person, chances are you've experienced moments when students seem quiet, reserved, or even disengaged. It might feel a bit disheartening at first, but here's the good news: even when kids aren't overly chatty, they're still absorbing valuable insights and often leave feeling inspired about their future.

Trust the Process

We’ve hosted countless events connecting students with adult mentors, and while some moments may seem quiet or subdued, the impact often runs much deeper than what’s visible in the moment. Time and again, our feedback tells a different story—students frequently share that their conversations with mentors sparked new ideas, clarified their next steps, and boosted their confidence.

There are many reasons why a student might not seem engaged on the surface: they could be nervous, unsure of what to say, or simply processing the information internally. Sometimes, it’s hesitancy to share too much in front of their peers, especially when discussing personal goals or uncertainties.

Even if a student doesn’t actively participate in every discussion, they’re still listening, reflecting, and learning.

One example that stands out is a virtual event we hosted where almost no students came off camera or spoke during the session. From the outside, it looked like engagement was low.

But afterward, the feedback told a completely different story. Comments included:

• This event made me feel much less anxious about the future - inspiring, insightful, and truly a necessary and wonderful experience.
• This event is great - I really have learned a lot!
• I gained much advice on navigating my career and post secondary life, for which I am so grateful!
• I feel more confident as being in my last year of highschool being reminded that its ok to not know 100% what I want to do

These moments are powerful reminders that just because students aren’t visibly engaging doesn’t mean they’re not deeply impacted. Trust the process—sometimes, the most meaningful breakthroughs happen quietly and on their own terms.

Quality Over Quantity

The beauty of career conversations is that it's not always about the chatter—it’s about connection. Even brief interactions can plant the seeds of inspiration. Sometimes, a few carefully chosen words can open a world of possibilities for a young person.

Take, for example, Carol Dweck’s insight on praise from her TED Talk, The Power of Believing That You Can Improve. In the talk, she explains that telling a student “You’re so smart” can inadvertently set a fixed mindset, while saying “You worked really hard on that” shifts the focus to effort and growth.

In your career conversations, focus on making genuine connections. A well-placed, thoughtful comment can encourage students to view challenges as opportunities, to value hard work, and to believe in their potential. It’s about quality over quantity—each small word of encouragement can have a lasting impact on their self-confidence and future aspirations.

Creating a Safe and Supportive Space

One of the most important things you can do as a career coach is to foster a welcoming and supportive environment. When students feel safe, respected, and understood, they’re more likely to open up—though it may take time, and that’s okay. Building trust is a gradual process.

Here are some ways to create that space:

• Lead with vulnerability: Share your own career experiences, including challenges and uncertainties. This demonstrates authenticity and helps students see that it’s normal not to have all the answers right away.
• Respect individual comfort levels: Let students engage at their own pace. Some may be eager to share, while others need time to feel comfortable. Be patient and adaptable.
• Ask open-ended questions: Encourage deeper reflection by asking questions that invite thoughtful responses, such as, “What excites you about that idea?” or “How do you feel about this option?”
• Normalize the journey: Reinforce the idea that career planning isn’t about finding an instant answer—it’s a continuous process of self-discovery and exploration.

By providing this supportive space, you help students feel empowered to explore their paths with confidence and curiosity.

Keep the Conversation Going

Remember, the impact of a career conversation isn’t measured by the number of questions asked on the spot but by the lasting impression it leaves. Every student, regardless of how vocal they are during the session, has the potential to benefit from these discussions. Over time, as they reflect on the conversation and see the real-world examples you shared, they gain the confidence to explore new possibilities for themselves.

About Career Conversations

For a lot of young people, talking to adults about their career can be stressful. The pressure to make big decisions early, the uncertainty of fast-changing job markets, and not knowing themselves well enough yet can create anxiety. Fear of making the wrong choice, combined with academic and social pressures, often leaves them feeling overwhelmed. With limited real-world exposure to various industries, many are unsure what paths even exist, adding to the worry about their future.

But what if career exploration started with a conversation that didn’t create anxiety but instead sparked ideas, built confidence, and opened doors to the future?

That’s exactly what we’re trying to do with the Ontario Career Lab—an initiative designed to inspire Ontario’s Grade 9 and 10 students by connecting them with community professionals from all industries, occupations and backgrounds. Through meaningful career conversations, students can explore in-demand industries, discover local opportunities, and begin to shape their own unique paths.

Funded by the Government of Ontario, this first-of-its-kind initiative is more important than ever.

Get Involved

We’re looking for individuals from a wide range of sectors who share their personal insights and real-world experiences.

Your career story can inspire and ignite curiosity in our students. By sharing your experiences, you’ll help broaden their perspective on the world of work, connect with fellow community members, and play a vital role in shaping the next generation.

Ready to make a difference? Sign up today to join the conversation.