Importance of Career Counseling

     In continuing the readings, I find it important to remember that it is the job of the career counselor to focus on ways of helping clients receive relevant knowledge about all occupations that are available. Individuals seeking career counseling are getting the utmost amount of information and they can use it at their disposal. They can navigate the pros and cons and what peaks their interest. They are making well-informed decisions in regards to their career choice and the path they take to obtain their goal in their career development. I think this is something that is extremely important to recognize and possibly why individuals who go through career counseling are more happy in their career choice.
     I found that in high school going to my guidance counselor for college choices was mandatory, but they did not explore my career opportunities with me as much as they did potential school choices. The focus was more on making sure I would be get into the schools I wanted to by looking at my grades and the criteria I would need to meet in order to even be a potential candidate for acceptance. I chose my major for undergraduate school based off one class in high school that I enjoyed called "Human Behavior." It was a class that combined psychology and sociology. Regardless of my choice in major, I had no idea of what career I wanted to pursue; I chose the major because I thought I would like it and do well in the classes.
     For me, 'winging it' worked out rather well as I now use my undergraduate degree in psychology for my current and future career. I decided to take two years off after undergraduate school to work in the field to make sure I loved it because I previously had no experience. It turned out I loved it and that is why I am now getting my masters in clinical psychology. The thing to remember is others are not so lucky. Many people end up in careers that they only tolerate because they feel a career change would be a hassle. Some other people decide to change career paths despite schooling, or other factors, at various times in their lives. This leads me to my main point.
     I believe that everyone should go through at least some sort of basic career counseling. More than taking the tests in high school to see what careers your personality will fit, but not as intense as weeks upon weeks of counseling. A theory to put to use would be Solution-Focused Brief counseling theory because it is more short-term than other theories and it has a main goal that focuses on the client. When choosing a degree for undergraduate school, many hesitate but wish to make the right decision. I think this theory would be applicable to this clientele because they are goal-oriented and focused. Career counseling is extremely beneficial and people should be wiser in utilizing it more often.