Post #10 - Chapter 13

           Chapter 13 was interesting and triggered reflection back to my days as an undergraduate student.  The statistic of 54% of college students being in their career as a result of a conscious plan speaks volumes (Brown, 2012).  I was able to relate to this statistic because I entered college undecided.  I had no idea what my interests were or what I could foresee myself doing in the future as a career.  So in essence, I would have been part of the 46% who were in a career due to an unconscious plan. 

That statistic also brings me back to previous discussions of career counseling and the high need for it earlier in life.  With stats indicating that approximately half of college students do not have a conscious career plan is frightening.  What is even more concerning is the projected amount of nontraditional students that will be entering postsecondary education.  Brown (2012) states that approximately two-thirds of students in college will fit into the nontraditional category.  Nontraditional students consist of students older than 22, students with previous academic failure, or those who desire a career change (Brown, 2012).  That in itself is concerning as it shows lack of direction and perhaps lack of a good fit with their career selection.  Counseling would be very beneficial to help reduce nontraditional students re-entering postsecondary education.

To continue on the trend of statistics, Brown (2012) also presents in Chapter 13 that 64% of college graduates would attempt to get additional career information if given the chance.  This is disheartening because essentially these 64% in some way or other are not satisfied with their current occupation or career.  They want to know different options and are thinking “if only I had done something different instead”.  I am concerned by this as I did some research on my current major but not an extensive amount.  I certainly do not want to put all this effort into my schooling and be thinking several years later that I would have liked more information.  I feel these statistics have a significant meaning, and they are very important.  These issues deserve to be addressed because it is likely affecting our economy in some way, shape, or form. 

It is also stated that only 54% who attended college feel their abilities are being used in their current jobs (Brown, 2012).  Again, I certainly want to use my skills when I graduate and I would never want to be in that position or feel that way.  This statistic means that people are seeking the wrong degrees and incorrect career paths for themselves.  This could be due to an absence of guidance, lack of options, or pressure from different people or resources.  Whatever the case may be, it would be nice to see these statistics change with people being more satisfied with their career choices instead of less.

References

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