Class 1/ Chapter 1 Discussion

     One of the most interesting discussions that struck me from class on the 28^th was the P – E concept, relating knowledge of the self, the world of work, and the mechanism by which the two are connected. It was not surprising to find that this important concept was not only emphasized in class, but also highlighted throughout chapter one of the text! One tries to relate one’s self (needs, desires, goals, etc.) to the environment around one’s self (peers, government, culture, etc.) (Brown, 2012). Most people refer to early goals, remembering single-minded dreams. “I want to be a veterinarian because I like to play with cats and dogs.” This was my initial thought process as a child setting career goals. However, as an intellectual adult, I comprehend the need to incorporate my personal career goals (P) with the environment in which I live (E), while exploring the mechanism by which my two systems are connected (-). Using the P – E model, I can ask myself questions such as, “What does the job market look like for this occupation? How can I obtain the skills to become a competitive employee in this field? How will my contributions within this field shape my own life and the environment around me?” The answers to these questions will help me navigate along my career path.

     Brown (2012) mentions a new model of career development. Brown (2012) proposes “that linear logic, objective truth, and emphasis on empirical proof for career development practices be replaced with recursive thinking, relativism, and the subjective reality of postmodernism.” Brown’s (2012) statement supports the P-E ideal of thinking outside of one’s self, stressing the importance of relating to the world around one’s self, while exploring one’s own career expedition. It is very important to explore individual goals within the context of one’s life (Brown, 2012).

     In relation to social justice, discussed in Brown’s (2012) text, it is important to recognize if one’s living environment is conducive or ideal for kindling career dreams. Many studies have revealed the connection between environment and personal experiences. Kunter et al. (2013) explored the links between teacher-student relationships. The researchers found teachers’ knowledge about the subject, enthusiasm while relaying information, and awareness regarding instructional quality were all factors influencing student outcomes (Kunter et al., 2013). Is it fair that some students receive competent, enthusiastic teachers while others may receive instructors that are less qualified? Brown (2012) describes these obstacles one faces when searching for social justice. Other issues mentioned were health care, education, and affordable Internet (Brown, 2012). Considering my interactions with future clients, I will encourage my students to reflect on the words of Brown (2012), remembering that “successful workers are also aware of the relationship between education and training and job success” It is imperative to consider the relationship between the self and the field of work during the process of career development.

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

Kunter, M., Klusmann, U., Baumert, J., Richter, D., Voss, T., & Hachfeld, A. (2013). Professional competence of teachers: Effects on instructional quality and student development. Journal Of Educational Psychology, 105(3), 805-820.