Chapter 8

     Chapter 8 provided a nice overview of different resources and techniques that can be used to obtain information about various careers. The O*NET is an impressive collection of data and perfectly illustrates a beneficial way that technology can assist in the career decision making process. I personally had not heard of this database until taking this course, and I think that I would have definitely used it a long time ago had I been introduced to it at some point throughout my education. This point illustrates the disadvantages to those who cannot afford a computer or was never properly taught how to utilize the technology is available. If I, as a middle class white male who grew up with a computer in my house had no knowledge of this resource, it is not hard to imagine that there are millions of people who are equally as ignorant that could truly benefit from O*NET, but were never made aware of its existence.

     Later in the chapter, Brown discusses other options to learn about careers such as job shadowing, simulations, and career fairs. My dad was a strong advocate for shadowing; however, I was a very shy kid growing up and I did not feel comfortable reaching out to someone and risk inconveniencing them. In hindsight, I wish I would have shadowed some people because I think I missed out on a great opportunity to learn and ask questions. The section about simulations was particularly salient because my brother aspires to be a commercial airline pilot so he has shown me some of the simulators that pilots use in training. On a smaller scale, he purchased a flight simulator computer game complete with a joystick that at least introduces people to the intricacies of flying an aircraft. The game is extremely realistic and he has occasionally taken part in multi-hour flights to simulate the real-time effect of flying across the country. An option that was not directly mentioned in the chapter, but could possibly fall under the umbrella of a career day, is having guest speakers come to schools with the intention of exposing interested students to a particular career. My high school brought a special agent from the FBI as a guest speaker one day. Attendance was optional, but since my career goal at the time was to get to the FBI, I naturally decided to go. This was a great opportunity to actually meet someone who held the job that I wanted. It was especially meaningful because most of my peers, if they desired, could find somebody who held their dream job with relative ease; however, most people do not have everyday access to a federal agent. I felt like I took a lot from that experience. Perhaps schools should focus on bringing guest speakers from fields that people are unlikely to have access to as a way of making something that looks unattainable more realistic for students.

References

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