Career Guidance and Counseling Programs
What is a Career Guidance and Counseling Program
It is a comprehensive, developmental program designed to assist individuals in making and implementing informed educational and occupational choices. A career guidance and counseling program develops an individual's competencies in self-knowledge, educational and occupational exploration, and career planning.
Why is Career Guidance and Counseling Key to the Delivery of Vocational-Technical Education
Career guidance and counseling programs help individuals acquire the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to identify options, explore alternatives and succeed in society. These programs better prepare individuals for the changing workplace of the 21st century by:
- teaching labor market changes and complexity of the workplace
- broadening knowledge, skills, and abilities
- improving decision making skills
- increasing self-esteem and motivation
- building interpersonal effectiveness
- maximizing career opportunities
- improving employment marketability and opportunities
- promoting effective job placement
- strengthening employer relations
Navigating a career path can be something that students and employees might need help with throughout their lives. Many organizations offer formal programs that can help people identify their goals and overcome their unique challenges. Learning about these offerings can help you identify if you might benefit from formal coaching and assistance.
Mid-level career workers
Mid-level career workers are people that might have worked for the same company or in the same role for several years. They may have received one or several promotions throughout their careers, but they hope to expand into roles with more responsibilities or earn more money. Career guidance can help these individuals how they might earn promotions, work better with their colleagues and manage stress. Often, mid-level career workers might not want to change roles but hope to improve their current performance.
Job seekers
Job seekers at various stages can pursue career guidance. When applying for jobs, people might want to learn where they can search for the best opportunities, how they can improve their resume or cover letter and how they can network better. As job search strategies change often with technology, they can help coach you on the tools and processes you can implement to contact employers effectively. When interviewing, career counselors can also provide you with tips on how you can impress hiring managers.
People thinking about changing careers
Career guidance can help people who hope to change careers from one industry or company to another. Counselors can help people identify the skills they have that they may transfer to other roles. You might also review several job descriptions with a career counselor to understand the requirements of your ideal job. They can then help you identify what education, certification or skills you might need to pursue this career and who you might contact to start networking.
People who lost jobs
Career guidance can help those who lost their jobs. Along with job search strategies, they may assist you with strategies to manage your financial situation while searching for new jobs, like applying for unemployment and finding quality health care. Some places offer low-cost career guidance to ensure this help you receive is still within your budget if you're not working.
People who need motivationy
Career counselors can help motivate people who might feel stuck in certain situations. This can involve feeling unmotivated at work or feeling unsuccessful in their job search. Career guidance can help you objectively review your performance and actions and provide you with adjustments to make that can make you feel motivated. This might involve setting small goals to help build your confidence as you work towards achieving larger goals.
Students
Career guidance is common for students in high school and college. In high school, these programs can help you identify what career you might choose and which college programs can help you achieve these. They might then provide a list of universities that offer these programs along with paths you can take to start these careers. In college, you might work with a career counselor to identify internships or entry-level positions to start your career. They might also advise the best way to navigate life after college when entering the workforce.
