Blog 11

Brown Chapter 12:

After reading this chapter I felt quite overwhelmed with all the information thrown at me.  I also feel as if these guidelines and curriculums such as the ASCA National Standards is overkill.  I think that these individual plans can have a positive impact on students’ career plans, yet also may not be the appropriate form of guidance for every student.  One point that I thought was important to note in this chapter dealt with parent education.  I think a large factor in students career indecision is due to the lack of knowledge that parents may have about certain occupations and the necessary skills needed for those jobs.  I am not saying that these parents are not taking any part in their child’s career path, but rather that they lack the ability to accurately direct them in a positive manner. 

                Overall, I agree that starting the process of career counseling at such a young age as kindergarten is a beneficial step towards achieving a successful career choice.  The skills gained by setting goals, developing hobbies and interests, and becoming more aware about the variety of occupations out there can be a powerful tool even for a child.  Once they reach high school, their understanding and preparation for the career world will be well ahead of the norm.  Career indecision will decrease a lot hopefully.

I think a career related class should be made mandatory for all students at certain grade levels.   As Brown points out, “Several advantages of an organized class is that it can be closely tied to the total school counseling program and properly staffed” (Brown, 2010).  A mandatory class like this would help to offer the best opportunity to meet the individual needs of all students.  Both individual and group counseling can occur in this classroom setting, helping students not feel alone with their uncertainty in career decision.  I found it interesting yet also believable that once a student has been accepted to a proper transition such as entry in an occupation or higher education school, counselors consider the process complete.  Therefore, the point to be made is that counseling should never be cut short. 

Brown, D. (2012). Career information, career counseling, and career development (10^th ed.).  New York, NY: Pearson Education, Inc.