Blog #14 Chapter 18

            Chapter 18 reports statements that are germane to activities we conducted in class. Personally, I have never heard of O*NET or the Occupational outlook Handbook. But thanks to the in-class activity, I have a better understanding of what’s out there as a resource. They came in handy for my interview and the presentation. I agree with Brown when he commented on the delivery of occupational information being through the Internet in the next 20 to 25 years. It isn’t very difficult to see that it’s already here and possibly on Smartphone’s already (I’m not sure if there’s an app for that or not). The only problem that stands in the way of utilizing these resources is ignorance. It took me 26 years before I found out this information was not only available, but that now it’s available online.

            I also think that resumes will become part of an online database that describes a person in greater detail. I am aware that Millersville has a FOCUS database in which you can upload more information than just a resume. I think this is a great idea, but we must not forget the purpose of a resume: to get an interview. An individual can create a link on the resume to the FOCUS database, but it will be all for not if the prospective employer doesn’t like your resume or it’s difficult to understand. I think that the focus should remain on the resume and once the interview is scheduled, then you can refer to your FOCUS database to show yourself off.

            Finally, career counseling will become a more specialized field and will require expertise in various avenues (Brown, 2012). I agree with this concept 100%. There will be an increase in the need for career counselors and a need for specialized degrees/certifications.  According to Brown, the profession of psychology has been rather lenient on the requirements of being certified in the area of career counseling. I see this aspect changing as it fills a desperate need. Someone else’s career and future cannot hang in the balance of an undertrained and under qualified individual. That is doing a disservice to both the client and the field of psychology in general.  This should be considered both ethically and morally on the behalf of the counselor. Also, proper training is paramount on behalf of the counselor when helping another individual decide his career for the future.

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