Brown Chapter 17 - Final Post

After reading chapter seventeen of Brown’s (2012) text, I was able to make connections between the content of the reading and class on December 4^th.  In class on Wednesday, my group presented a middle school career development workshop, demonstrating career awareness, assessment, and exploration through age-appropriate career lessons integrated into each school subject’s curriculum. We highlighted the P-E concept, noting the importance of connections made between the life-long career development process and the world of work. While working with career-seekers of any age, it is important to address career trends that influence the individual and world of work. In chapter seventeen, Brown (2012) addressed these career trends in the labor market. Brown (2012) noted trends in two major occupational sectors, the service-providing occupations and manufacturing occupations. In the United States, there are currently more service-providing jobs available than manufacturing positions (Brown, 2012). Career counselors may need to highlight careers in service-providing fields to prepare clients for the career opportunities available. Career counselors are responsible for researching occupational outlooks and career trends within each of these sectors to properly prepare clients for the demands of the labor market.

Brown (2012) also mentioned projections and trends regarding age in the labor force. It is predicted that the quantity of older workers will increase in the future, affecting the availability of jobs and possibility of promotions received by younger workers. Young workers will need to respond and adapt accordingly by strengthening employability skills and job flexibility. Brown (2012) recognized the dynamic structure of the work force, encouraging counselors to share information with clients about the constantly changing labor market structure.

Table 17.2 provides very interesting career information. This table displays projections of the top positions with the largest number of openings, growth rates, and training necessities (Brown, 2012, p. 370). Out of the top 20 jobs listed, 13 of the positions require only “on the job training,” rather than a college degree. Cashiers, retail sales, and wait staff are the top positions listed with the highest projected openings. I believe that career counselors are responsible for sharing this information with clients. However, as a career counselor, I would feel conflicted campaigning for these careers due to their high turnover rates, low pay, and replaceable employees. While career counselors must mention these careers, they should also provide a disclaimer, detailing the possible consequences of job instability. Sharing a chart like this with middle school students would expose students to the hierarchal job market structure. Students should be encouraged to explore the pros and cons of many occupations in relation to their own lives. Activities similar to these provide students with realistic opportunities to discover and apply their personal work values to the demands of the labor force.   

   

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