In sour economy, US teens shun business careers

WASHINGTON: The number of US teens interested in a business career has tanked, overtaken by what youngsters see as more secure jobs in science and medicine, or even entertainment or sports, a poll showed on Wednesday.

After choosing "business person" as their top career choice for five years, only 7 per cent of 750 teens surveyed in January were looking to join the pinstripe suit profession, according to the "Kids and Careers" poll, which has been conducted for nine years by Junior Achievement.

Jobs in science and engineering or as medical doctors were in equal first place on the youngsters' career choices, with 16 per cent of those surveyed choosing either field as their ideal job.

11 per cent said they wanted to be an actor or entertainer, and 9 per cent chose sports as their career of choice.

Business was beaten into fifth place, even though it is "still the greatest job generator in the US economy," Junior Achievement, which provides in-school and after-school programs to prepare youngsters to succeed in a global economy, said in a statement.

"Given the current state of the economy it may not be surprising that teens are looking away from business to fulfill their career goals and turning to careers in science and medicine," Stephanie Bell, a spokeswoman for Junior Achievement, said.

"A lack of financial literacy and sound business practices have got us where we are, economically speaking. But small businesses drive a lot of job creation, so it's even more important now that kids learn business and financial management skills," Bell said.

40 per cent of the youngsters said they have changed their career plans "to a job that is more secure" - raising questions as to why the acting profession and professional sports outflanked business in the survey.

"Every time we have done this survey, a lot of kids have said they want to be a celebrity or sports star, and they really believe they can succeed in these very tough fields," Bell said.

Indeed, even in the grim economic climate, nearly all the youngsters - 88 per cent - surveyed this year were optimistic and confident they would one day land their ideal job.