Chp 17

 Career development is a complex, lifelong, and sometime chaotic process.  Brown (2012) has written a well-developed textbook giving the reader theories, applications, research, challenges, and future considerations in order to fully understand career development.  He has sparked critical thinking, creativity, and a deeper understanding into the world of work.

Brown’s (2012) Chapter 17 presents important predictions for future professionals to consider when counseling clients in career development.  For example, Table 17.1 represents occupations that are expected to decline in the future.  Brown (2012) tests the reader by asking him or her to decide which occupations are declining because of offshoring or technology.  The table is intriguing when thought of in these terms; thus, establishing the effects of a global economy and technology.  Furthermore, Brown (2012) reiterates his ideas written in the first Chapter.  The global economy is interconnected and since the U.S. has one of the biggest economies, a recession in this country can be seen throughout the world (Brown, 2012).  Moreover, practitioners utilizing career counseling must stay up-to-date on current events, the work environment, and what is happening around the world.

An interesting and scary fact that Brown (2012) wrote was the national debt of $15 trillion equating to $30,400 for each person.  I found this interesting because I often wonder how our country gets to this point of such debt.  Are politics to blame, citizens, or corporations?  The scary part about this number is for the improvised.  It would seem reasonable that those living at or below the poverty level could not afford to pay this (outright or through taxes); whereas, the rich like, Oprah, Bill Gates, Professional athletes, the Kardashians, Donald Trump, and so forth would be able to pay this amount of money and then some.  Our country continues to marginalize and oppress certain people; which only reverberates a vicious cycle.  Advocates are needed for minorities, women, those with disabilities, and the poor in order to “even the playing field” (Brown, 2012). Would Dr. Hill say that people’s brains could create new synapses and circuits in regards to stereotyping, racism, and oppression?

School counselors, clinical psychologist, and school psychologist will all come into contact with a client who is in need of career counseling.  Brown (2012) offers meaningful concepts to apply to clients, and stresses the importance of understanding the world of work, and advocating for clients.  In the future the global economy will surely have its positives and drawbacks on the work environment forcing career counselors to maneuver through the ever changing career development process amongst individuals.

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