Blog #14: Chapter 18

Brown’s (2012) Chapter on trends and issues in career information and career development was a nice  wrap-up of ideas and concepts that we have discussed throughout the course of the semester.  Brown makes a good point in stating that “Career counselors cannot become complacent if they are to serve their clients well.  Technology will continue to drive much of the innovation in career development, but there will be changes in the way we think as theories change and as the labor market continues to shift” (Brown, 2012, pg. 373).  Brown discusses many important aspects of trends in career information, career assessment, career counseling, and career development programming.

Although all of the trends are influential to career counseling; I believe that one of the most important trends facing people today is career information.  In the past few years, many Americans have found themselves either laid-off from the jobs or displaced in their jobs.  The need for career information is possibly more important now then is has ever been; “Efforts to improve the quality and delivery of occupational information will continue and perhaps accelerate as the nation attempts to deal with high levels of unemployment and underemployment” (Brown, 2012, pg. 375).  Although there is a need; many adults have reported never using any kind career information in helping them regain or find employment.  I believe this is the case because maybe people do not know where to find career information, and they have never sought out career counseling of any kind.  I have asked a few people if they know where to find career information; and almost all of them said no.  I really believe this concern will continue to grow because of the economic and job situation in the United States.

Brown reports on the fact that many services are now free online to the general public that are issued by the government.   Systems such as O*NET and Virginia Career View will continue to grow and provide guidance for those seeking career information; “Most of the databases in these systems are now available online, and their number will undoubtedly increase” (Brown, 2012, pg. 376).   However, I see a problem with this.  Yes, many people will have more access to career information; but do they know how to interpret it and use it to help them find employment?  I think that’s where career counseling comes into play.  Although this information will be readily available; there will still be a need for career counselors to guide people in using the information in an effective way.

Lastly, I would just like to say that this class has been informative and I do feel that I will be able to use the information learned as I move forward in becoming a future school counselor.  I would also like to say that I have enjoyed watching the group presentations.  Each group has done a nice job targeting their populations; and I have learned new things in each one.

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