Many individuals spend a considerable amount of their time at their place of employment. Some may find, through their careers, a sense of fulfillment, financial stability, identity, meaning, and supportive connections with others (Brown, 2021). However, this may not be the case for everyone. Some individuals may experience unhappiness, burnout, and dissatisfaction with their careers or workplaces which can significantly impact their lives, their future career goals, their future career decisions, and overall well-being and mental health (Brown, 2021). When we reflect on our communities in Canada, it is easy to spot new changes to societal trends, culture, and labour and economic markets and structures, which have continued to persist and develop at a rapid pace (Dislere & Vronska, 2020). Currently, it has been noted that within North America, more and more individuals, especially across the younger generations, have adopted a norm of changing jobs or career paths approximately every two years or less (Brown, 2021).
What is Career Counselling?
Career counselling is a service that offers support and guidance for individuals who want to
change careers, find a new career, leave a specific career, and even for those who are just
beginning their careers (Brown, 2021). Career counselling can also offer valuable guidance when it comes to academic and educational goals, as well as help with cover letter writing, resume writing, and even employment and/or post-secondary/post-graduate applications (Valverde et al., 2020).
Who can Benefit from Career Counselling?
Anyone in their mid-teens and older can benefit from career counselling (Valverde et al., 2020). Some individuals may believe career counselling is only beneficial to adults, but it can also help younger individuals who are preparing for post-secondary education or planning to enter the workforce immediately.
How can Career Counselling Help?
Career counselling can help individuals explore and identify their career and/or educational goals as well as provide skills aimed to help with decision-making (Dislere & Vronska, 2020). It can help reduce indecisiveness and help you set, implement, and achieve professional or educational goals (Brown, 2021). Career counsellors are passionate about supporting you in your professional and personal journey and can help you to understand your own self including your own interests, life values, and personality styles to help with career and personal development (Brown, 2021; Dislere & Vronska, 2020; Valverde et al., 2020). In addition, career counsellors can provide education about the economic and labour market and information on work and educational opportunities (Dislere & Vronska, 2020). Furthermore, career counsellors can help you hone in on and develop skills such as communication skills, collaboration skills, interviewing skills, presentation skills, resume and cover letter writing, and networking skills, and even help support you in planning retirement (Dislere & Vronska, 2020).
References
Brown, H. (2021, May 13). What is career counselling? 3 fascinating theories explained.
PositivePsychology. https://positivepsychology.com/what-is-career-counseling/
Dislere, V., & Vronska, N. (2020). Evaluation of career counsellors’ competences in career
guidance. In The Proceedings of the International Scientific Conference Rural
Environment. Education. Personality (REEP), 13(1), 385-399.
Valverde, J. D., Thornhill-Miller, B., Patillon, T. V., & Lubart, T. (2020). Creativity: A key
concept in guidance and career counselling. Journal of Adult and Continuing
Education, 26(1), 61-72.
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