Multipotentiality

Some gifted children seem to zero in on a career interest with laser-like intensity almost from birth, while others are still changing majors in their fourth year of college. One child may have developed an interest in the weather at age five or six and at age sixteen is still planning on a career in meteorology.

Other gifted children, however, seem to have trouble deciding an a career path. I'm not talking about children who have change their interests as they grow and develop. These children usually begin to focus on an interest by the end of high school or the beginning of college. The children I'm referring to are those who have what is known as Multipotentiality. They have a wide range of interests and abilities that would allow them to excel in numerous fields.

I knew one gifted child who at age five intended to be an astronaut, a paleontologist, and a museum curator -- all at the same time. He is now seventeen and although his interests have changed somewhat, he still has wide interests and abilities. He'll be going off to college next year and wants to major in both theater and music composition, with a minor in history. Gifted children need career counseling that will help them deal with their multipotentiality.

• Multipotentiality: Issues and Considerations for Career Planning
• Career Planning for Gifted and Talented Youth