You’ve probably heard or been asked many time as a child, “what do you want to be when you grow up?” I remember some of my classmates were able to answer right away with things like, “a teacher, a race care driver, a doctor, a professional soccer player”, the list goes on. I, on the other hand never really had a definite answer. At first I wanted to be a chicken (that was when I was really little), and then an artist, a pop star, a cop, a forensic psychologist, you name it. Although I have a career now in social work, I realize that careers change throughout life. It’s expected of us to go to college at some point and are then expected to pick a major, and somehow know what we want to pursue and do right out of high school. Many times, college majors don’t even lead to that specific job. A lot of us “grow up” and still don’t know what we want to be.
Some have a career but are ready for a change and want to explore other fields.
This is where career counseling can be a great tool.
What is career counseling?
Not having a job or having a job that is unenjoyable can lead to or exasperate depression, anxiety and stress. Most Americans will spend around a third of their life at work, making career choices extremely important for over health and well being.
Looking for a career can be extremely demanding and many feel hopeless in their search However, career counseling can help alleviate some of these struggles. Career counseling is a process that helps individuals understand and know themselves and the world of work, and is designed to help someone in choosing, changing or leaving a career.
Who uses it?
Anyone can use career counseling! Youth, adults, male and female, disadvantaged, minorities, incarcerated, dropouts, single parents, displaced homemakers, teachers, administrators, parents and employers use career counseling services in various ways. The earlier you get started on your career development the more prepared you will be! Career counseling is highly encouraged in colleges, especially for freshman so that they can chose a major wisely.
What does a career counseling session look like and how much does it cost?
Career counselors have a master’s in career development and are experts in career development theory, counseling techniques, administration and interpretation of assessments, and career information resources. They may work in a private practice or at a university or college. Social workers, psychologists, life coaches and recruiters can also provide career counseling.
If you are seeing a career counselor at a private practice, the pricing may be high and varies depending on the counselor. The average cost can range from $70-$100 per hour with additional costs for resumes and cover letters, which can be very costly for many. That is one of the reasons why social workers and school counselors might be more common to use for career guidance. Package deals or group sessions can help reduce some of the costs of career coaching/counseling.
Sessions with a career counselor/coach will vary depending on what the client needs. However, a general first session may start out with a thorough history of the employment, education, skills, personality and interests which is usually gained through an interviewing process. The information is then applied to job searches and categories through innovative technology.
Why is it beneficial?
There are a number of benefits that career counseling offers. Career counselors help individual’s competencies in self-knowledge, educational and occupational exploration, and career planning.
It also helps clients explore and resolve conflicts when deciding a major in college. Career counseling can also resolve internal conflicts that pertain to feeling adequate and confident when looking for a job.
When in career counseling, you can expect to learn more about yourself, gain educational and occupational information, learn about decision making and career planning, conduct a job search, apply to graduate and professional schools if needed, cope with career challenges, and learn to transition smoothly from one career to another.
When to see one?
Anytime is a good time to see a career counselor, however it is an even better time if you are noticing that you are stressed, overwhelmed and stuck in your career/job hunt.
Thrive and career counseling:
Thrive Treatment℠ prides itself on keeping members connected to community during and long after the completion of treatment and are invested in helping individuals find purpose beyond sobriety. Helping members gain community involvement and purpose through a career is important and the professionals at Thrive work with individuals to help them find careers or career counselors.
