I've known people that are 2nd generation software engineers (have not yet met 3rd generation though). Their parents were software engineers, they were born with a bookshelf full of programming books, they were taught to program at an early age by professional programmers... They learned the rules of the game and received career advice at an early age.

The ones that make the most of those experiences are truly remarkable people.

It's easier to navigate your career when you are given a map at an early age.