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Overview of Career Counseling Theories

Jan 15, 2025

Lecture on Career Counseling and Theory

Historical Context of Counseling

  • Jesse B. Davis: Early vocational programs in public schools.
  • Frank Parsons: Father of vocational guidance; involved in educational reform.
  • National Vocational Guidance Association formed in 1913.
  • Post-World War II New Deal and GI Bill helped adjust society, particularly returning soldiers.
  • Launch of Sputnik by Russia led to focus on skill development and aptitude tests for military.

Aptitude Tests

  • ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery): Tests math, science, and reasoning skills.
  • Aptitude tests assess knowledge and potential.

Generational Workforce Trends

  • Millennials (Generation Y) and Baby Boomers influence job market.
  • Baby boomers (born 1946-1964) are retiring, causing job shortages.

Work Terminology

  • Telecommunication: Remote work or working from home.
  • Portfolio Career: Multiple part-time jobs instead of one full-time job.
  • Outplacement Counseling: Support after job loss due to downsizing.
  • Glass Ceiling: Invisible barrier preventing minorities and women from rising to top positions.
  • FMLA (Family and Medical Leave Act): Guarantees job (not specific position) after leave for family/medical reasons.
  • Dislocated Worker: Job loss due to company downsizing or relocation.

Career Development Theories

Trait and Factor Theory

  • Traits and factors influence career choice.

Ginsberg's Theory

  • Three phases: Fantasy (up to age 11), Tentative (11-17), Realistic (17-20s).

Super's Theory

  • Expanded on Ginsberg, focusing on life stages and roles.
    • Life roles: Child, Student, Worker, etc.
    • Life stages: Growth, Exploration, Establishment, Maintenance, Decline.
  • Archway model: Internal (personality) and external (social) factors determine self-concept and career.

Holland's Theory

  • RIASEC model (Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, Conventional).
  • Career satisfaction is influenced by personality.

Roe's Theory

  • Careers chosen based on unmet needs and childhood experiences.
  • Parental influence impacts career orientation.

Krumboltz's Social Learning Theory

  • Career decisions influenced by genetics, environment, and social learning.

Bandura's Social Cognitive Theory

  • Emphasizes self-efficacy and outcome expectations.

Career Counseling Tools

  • Occupational Outlook Handbook: Provides data on various professions.
  • Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI): Personality assessment tool based on Jungian theory.

Important Legislation and Concepts

  • Work Innovation Act: Aims to improve workforce training and access to employment.
  • Hidden Job Market: Many jobs are unadvertised; networking is crucial.

Examination Preparation

  • Familiarize with key figures such as Parsons, Super, Holland, and Roe.
  • Review major theories and assessments like ASVAB, MBTI, and RIASEC.
  • Understand terms like glass ceiling, FMLA, and dislocated worker.
  • Practice with sample questions and familiarize with test formats for career counseling exams.