Chapter 1 / Week 1

The first day of class provided a nice introduction to the topics that lie ahead. I enjoyed circulating the room and observing the diversity as well as the trends that were apparent as we shared what were our early career aspirations. I certainly noticed the gender bias that seemed to exist and couldn’t help but reflect on how impressionable we must have been when we formulated these projected career choices. I look forward to exploring the various theories of career development and determining which theory I identify with most. 

Like other classmates suggested, I expected this course to entail primarily career counseling strategies and methods. Chapter one surprised me as it immediately and almost abruptly delved into a historical overview of the economy and how the workforce evolved over time. In the text, Brown (2012, p. 6) spent a significant amount of time describing the disparities that exist in terms of career opportunities and social injustices within the job market. What I found most interesting, though not at all surprising, were the gender and racial disparities among unemployment and income rates. Naturally, all of these considerations will become relevant in career counseling and when considering what barriers an individual may encounter in the course of their career development. Also important to consider is that unemployment rates are fairly high, allowing frustration and discouragement to be prominent feelings in the current job market. I find myself wondering how we can assist this population. Certainly we cannot fix the economy as future counselors but I imagine in some instances we can help clients explore alternative options and ways to expand their job search, thereby increasing their window of opportunities. However, how can we help clients who are limited in job options due to lack of education or lack of financial resources? I believe it would be difficult to assist this population and to instill sincere optimism in those who clearly have not been afforded equal potential for opportunities.

I enjoyed the section of Brown (2012, p. 17) that considered the meaning of work. Work is a social construct, a system we have created. I never really considered what it meant to me because I have always viewed work as a necessity, or a means to an end rather. Work has always served the purpose of providing financial security. We rely on this system to function as a society. Sometimes I fear that we have lost sight of our potential to engage in exceptionally creative and meaningful work because we have become fixated on the obligatory nature of work. Imagine how nice it would be to want to go to work! I can’t remember the last time this happened. We sacrifice some of our innate abilities in pursuit of a secure but less rewarding profession.

Brown, D. (2012).  Career information, career counseling, and career development

            (10^th ed.).  New York: Pearson Education, Inc.