Blog 7

        This week’s chapter really got me thinking about all the different types of occupations and careers that I really may not be aware of. I found it interesting that only 22% of occupations in our country require Bachelor’s degree (Brown, 2012). I think this is very encouraging for students who may not feel that college is the right fit for them. I think it is important that students are aware that they can still have career opportunities even if they do not wish to seek out a bachelor’s degree. I feel like too much pressure is put on our students now a days to go to college. As counselors we should really look at our student and make sure we are keeping their best interests in mind, before pushing them down a certain path way.

            As I was reading over the information about the O*NET, I was just thinking about how useful this could be in a session with a high school student who thinks they know what a job entails but really they have no idea at all. I think this could be an amazing resource to use in high schools or even middle schools with students. However, I think if you are going to use this tool you must make sure to explain to students what it is they are looking at. Many students may not understand what occupational outlook means, so it is key that we explain these terms to them. If they do not understand the terms and just go into this project blindly it will not be a meaningful exercise for them. So I think there needs to be background information given before the students are let loose.

            I think all the information that was given about other ways students can learn about different career is very helpful. I am specifically fond of the job shadowing idea. I can relate to this really well. When I was a junior in high school I started shadowing a veterinarian because I really felt like that is what I wanted to be. I went to his office a few days a week, and I got to assist in different activities throughout the day. But what was most valuable about my experience was the fact that I realized that veterinary medicine was not for me. I did not want to be married to my job and constantly in my office helping animals, I wanted to be able to be a mother someday who could be with her children. So my job shadowing experience helped to show me what I didn’t want to do for the rest of my life and got me started searching for a new career path. I know not every student is given the opportunity to shadow someone in the field they are interested in, but I feel like if we can make that opportunity available for at least a handful of students it could make a difference in their life.

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