Krumboltz Social Learning

When reading through Chapter 3, I became interested in Krumboltz’s Social Learning Theory. As I read through this section, I saw why I enjoyed learning about this theory. The main focus and goal of this theory is something that I relate to as a future school counselor. While Krumboltz theory is based off Albert Bandura’s, Krumboltz has not altered his theory in a significant way (Brown, 2012, p. 4). They differ, however, because they are not concerned of developmental stages within the learning process.

According to Brown, learning theorists believe that, “because many of the factors surrounding career choice and adjustment are learned, their theories need to account for the learning processes that lead to acquisition of the beliefs and behaviors critical to the career development process” (p. 60). I found really compelling about reading about Krumboltz and Mitchell and his social learning theory of career selections is that is focus on the learning process. The focus is to help “lead to self-efficacy beliefs and interests and how these impact the career decision-making process” (p.60). I strongly was interested in this particular focus because I believe in in. I believe in this learning theory because it allows one to be able to be self-efficient in acts that are necessary for life. Also, it allows one to be self-efficient in the work field and in their career development.

We can use this theory to help influence career decisions in one’s life. By doing this, it will allow someone to make accurate and concrete decisions that will allow them to find happiness and a meaningful career, and in the long run, having a successful career. Krumboltz identified four factors that influence career decision making (2012):

1.       Generic endowment and special abilities: Certain inherited characteristics can be restrictive influences on the individual

2.       Environmental conditions and events: Influences that our outside control of the individual but the individual must deal with them through the environment in which they are existing.

3.       Learning experience: Learning experiences influence the individual educational and career decision making.

4.       Task approach skills. Skill that is applied by the individual to each new task or problem.

            Krumboltz actually rejects the notion that the true goal of career counseling should be to choose a job based off of the person’s traits. Instead, Krumboltz suggests that the goal should be to help to the person acquire self-knowledge. He also feels that the individual is constantly encountering experiences of learning. Overall, I enjoy Krumboltz Social Learning and believe that it can be beneficial towards one own career development, and can also be used as a useful tool for present and future career counselors.

Resources

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