Career guidance was a rigid and narrow process when I was young and at school. There was minimal choice, and societal expectations often predetermined our paths rather than personal ambition. As a girl attending a reasonably progressive school, I was still primarily steered toward careers in nursing or secretarial work. The unspoken assumption was that I would eventually meet a man, settle down, and ultimately step away from the workforce to raise a family.
I suspect boys faced similarly constrained career advice, with medicine, teaching, engineering, and accountancy forming the core options. These fields were considered stable and respectable, and little effort was made to introduce alternative career paths. The idea of working in business—particularly in leadership or entrepreneurial roles—was seldom discussed. It wasn’t that these options didn’t exist; they weren’t presented to us as viable choices.
If we were lucky enough to have parents who ran their own business, this might have changed the discussion, but even then, claims of nepotism and hanging on Dad’s coattails weren’t attractive.
This isn’t an article about gender bias or the broader issue of sexism—although, undoubtedly, that would be a topic worthy of extensive discussion. Instead, this is an exploration of how career guidance has evolved and how young people today have a significantly more expansive array of choices. Some of these options have always been there, but now they are far more visible, thanks to digital advancements, social media, and a changing cultural landscape.
The internet and social platforms have transformed the way we discover career paths. Instead of relying solely on school career advisors or parental guidance, young people are exposed to countless industries, unconventional job roles, and entrepreneurial opportunities through online browsing and social engagement. Schools have adapted—albeit at varying rates—to help students explore and pursue careers beyond the traditional tracks.
One such avenue that has gained traction is franchising. Franchising presents a wide variety of business opportunities across multiple industries, from foodservice and fitness to education and technology. Given this vast spectrum, it’s no surprise that many—including myself—have written extensively about how to choose the right franchise. What I find particularly fascinating is that, in the past, many of us weren’t equipped with the tools to make these choices for ourselves. Stepping outside the conventional career path felt daunting, almost rebellious.
This leads me to wonder: is there still a psychological or cultural barrier preventing young people from confidently saying, “I want to run my own business”? And if they do express this desire, how is it received? Traditionally, the response might be to steer them toward a business degree, an MBA, or an apprenticeship. While these are valuable routes for many, they don’t necessarily align with every young entrepreneur’s aspirations or learning styles. These paths may seem uninspiring, even discouraging for those who aren’t inclined toward academia or formal study.
This is where franchising emerges as a powerful alternative. Unlike the conventional expectation of studying business theory before applying it in the real world, franchising offers a unique, hands-on approach. The franchisor is often more interested in a candidate’s character, determination, and willingness to learn than their academic credentials. While experience can be beneficial, attitude is typically the defining factor in success. Essentially, franchising allows individuals to gain business acumen while actively running their own business—a real-world MBA, if you will.
Moreover, many franchisors actively seek younger franchisees, recognising the value they bring to their networks. Younger entrepreneurs often bring fresh perspectives, tech savviness, and an innate understanding of emerging consumer trends. Franchisors may even prioritise younger candidates in sectors where youthful energy and digital engagement are crucial.
So, if today’s young people have an entrepreneurial spirit, they should feel empowered to explore franchising as a legitimate career path. Unlike previous generations, they can access a wealth of information and opportunities that weren’t as readily available. The challenge is ensuring they have the confidence, encouragement, and support to take the leap into business ownership if that’s where their passion lies.
So, to all those Gen-Zers – we’re here for you. Make franchising part of your exploration into that question: ‘What do you want to do when you leave school?’
