Archaeologist over reality TV star? Young girls reveal their dream jobs

Among the most popular dream jobs were:

• Actor (11%)
• Dancer (10%)
• Singer (8%)
• Vet (7%)
• Teacher (6%)

Interestingly, traditionally academic careers such as scientist, lawyer, and archaeologist ranked ahead of reality TV personality, suggesting that young girls today are increasingly looking toward intellectual and meaningful career paths.

The shift away from reality TV fame

Just a decade ago, reality TV stars were among the biggest role models for young people. Shows like Love Island, Keeping Up with the Kardashians, and The Only Way Is Essex turned everyday people into overnight celebrities.

However, Girl Talk's new survey - marking the magazine's 30th anniversary - suggests that today’s generation of girls is less interested in fame for fame’s sake.

Instead, they are gravitating towards careers that involve creativity, education, and making a difference in the world.

This shift could be due to:

• Increased awareness of STEM careers, thanks to more female role models in science and technology.
• Greater representation of women in high-achieving professions, like law and medicine.
• The rise of "edutainment" influencers, who focus on education and expertise rather than reality TV-style fame.

Girl Talk is celebrating 30 years!  

For three decades, Girl Talk has been inspiring and empowering primary-aged girls with fun, confidence-boosting content.

Packed with inspiring content and a few sprinkles of fun, Girl Talk continues to be a trusted ‘big sister’ for young girls—helping them learn, grow, and embrace who they are. 

Find Girl Talk in supermarkets, newsagents, and airports nationwide, or online at MagsDirect.

Parents believe in their daughters' ambitions

It’s not just the girls themselves who are setting high expectations—52% of parents believe their child will achieve their dream job, with optimism increasing as their children grow older.

This is a promising sign, as parental encouragement plays a major role in shaping career aspirations.

When children are supported in exploring their interests—whether in science, the arts, or law—they are more likely to pursue those paths with confidence.

How parents can help break down barriers to ambition

Despite these encouraging findings, barriers still exist for young girls pursuing certain careers.

Many STEM and leadership roles remain male-dominated, and gender stereotypes continue to influence the way children perceive different jobs.

For parents, encouraging girls to follow their passions—whether in archaeology, engineering, or politics— could mean:

• Providing access to hands-on experiences, such as science workshops and coding camps.
• Challenging stereotypes, by exposing girls to female role models in a variety of fields.
• Advocating for equal opportunities through education and career mentoring.

The future is bright

Claire Norman, Editor of Girl Talk, sees the shift in ambitions as a positive sign:

It’s fantastic to see such a range of career aspirations. Today’s young girls are dreaming big, and that’s something to celebrate.

With a new generation of ambitious, career-focused girls, the future looks set for a more diverse, driven, and empowered workforce.

Whether they become archaeologists, lawyers, or scientists, these young girls are proving that fame is not the only path to success.

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