M&S Money Reveals Children Choose Caring Careers Over X Factor Stardom

LONDON, Nov. 19, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- M&S Money has revealed that children of ages 8 - 13 years old are more likely to want to serve and protect than see their name up in lights when it comes to future career aspirations, according to new research.

Indeed, research on almost 1,700 children reveals a selection of career choices that are dominated by caring and service professions such as vet, teacher, police officer, medicine and joining the army.

However, while the majority of children see themselves in service orientated professions, fame and fortune does still appeal to some, with 14% of boys aspiring to be a footballer and 7% of girls wanting to be an actress or dancer.    

More creative careers also appealed to many youngsters with 5% of boys looking to design computer games, 3% of girls wanting to be an artist and 3% of girls planning to emulate J.K. Rowling by becoming an author.

However, future dreams don't come cheap with the average cost of training for one of the top ten careers reaching 24,686 pounds Sterling for boys or 31,049 pounds for girls. The most expensive career to pursue is becoming a pilot (105,000 pounds) or choosing to act (78,828 pounds).

Colin Kersley, chief executive of M&S Money, commented: "Even though this age group loves the X Factor, they have their sights set on more realistic and serious career choices.  Analysis of the training costs shows the financial implications are also serious and highlights the need to start saving early to help fund children's dreams or aspirations.

"Although children may change their minds on chosen career paths as they grow older and mature, the results uncovered by this survey prove for interesting reading and an intriguing insight into the minds of 8 to 13 year olds."

About M&S Money:

M&S Money (the trading name of Marks & Spencer Financial Services) was founded in 1985 as the financial services division of Marks and Spencer Group plc, making 2010 the company's 25th anniversary.

The company is a top-ten credit card provider and the second-largest travel money retailer in the UK.  M&S Money also offers a range of insurance cover, including insurance for cars, home and contents insurance and family pet insurance as well as loans, a personal credit card and savings and investment products.

Notes to Editors:

Methodology:

YouGov Research among almost 1,700 8-18s was undertaken between 17th and 22nd  September 2010.

The number of children interested in each career is based on ONS figures of 2,176,208 boys and 2,075,440 girls aged between 8 and 13 in the UK.

SOURCE M&S Money