Final Blog

            Even though Dr. Hill was unable to finish his speech, I found what he did talk about to be very interesting and informative. I particularly enjoyed the topic of traumatic brain injury. It is fascinating that concussions can affect one’s memory and emotional functioning and yet nothing can be shown to prove it. I can definitely see why this is a “hot topic” in schools because it would be difficult to tell if the child actually could improve more than he or she says. Conversely, I could also see teachers and other school professionals not believing the extent to which a concussion could affect a certain child, especially if that child already had behavior issues. While listening to Dr. Hill’s lecture, I also thought about my client’s social skills progress. Compared to his peers, he is way behind. I can only hope that he will eventually develop the same skills that his peers have already acquired.

            It was exciting being in Middle School again! I thought that the Middle School group did a great job presenting career information that would be applicable to this population. The lessons were creative and I can definitely see Middle Schoolers enjoying the lessons. Both my adult and Middle School self would benefit from navigating the career websites and fantasizing about different career options. Using the scientific method to decide which career would be the best fit was also very clever. I think students would be engaged in the process!

            In terms of the reading for this week, it is important for career counselors to be aware of future long-term and short-term trends. When deciding what career to choose, some people may be mostly interested in following a passion. These people may not care as much about a shortage of job openings. For persons, however, who are concerned about financial security and providing for a family, labor trends are most likely going to be a consideration. Honestly, I wish I knew the number of hours I would be getting every summer as a TSS. When I was first hired, I was told I would work many hours over the summer because we run a behavioral camp. This camp, however, is only for five weeks. The rest of the summer, my hours fluctuate between 0 and 20 per week. Because of my imbalance of hours, I have to make sure that I have money saved for the summer months. People who are in jobs such as landscaping or construction probably face similar hour fluctuations, but in the winter instead of the summer. If someone is leaning towards a job in these fields, the career counseling will want to make him or her aware of the months that there may be little work. This will allow the person to consider if a second job is necessary. Career counseling’s should remain current on labor trends to deliver the most accurate information to their clients.

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

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