Finding a Career Counselor
In a recent “Dear Abby” letter (http://www.uexpress.com/dearabby/?uc_full_date=20090717), a reader writes that “with two degrees and no specific job skills…I don’t know what sort of job I should be seeking.” Expressing further frustration with “touchy-feely” form of career counseling, the writer questions how to go about finding “a job that fits.”
Ms. Phillips (Dear Abby) replies that the reader should “look further for career counseling.” If only she had enough space in the paper to provide some resources! So how does a person go about finding a career counselor that can actually help?
As the 2009-10 President of the GCDA, I encourage anyone, whether 17, 23, 35, or 60, to take a few weeks to explore the world of work and life with a professional career counselor. For USA citizens, a great place to start is the National Career Development Association (NCDA) (http://www.ncda.org) the major professional organization for career counselors. While there are many people who work in the career development field, they come from various educational backgrounds and training. NCDA recognizes these individuals by offering different classifications and certifications. These range from Career Development Facilitator (an individual with 120 hours of training) to a Master Career Counselor (an individual with at least a Masters degree in counseling, plus additional educational requirements and experience. More information about the types of counselors can be found at http://associationdatabase.com/aws/NCDA/pt/sd/news_article/15416/_self/layout_details/false
You can also use the NCDA website to locate a counselor. If you live in my home state, you can check the Georgia Career Development Association’s website http://thegcda.org for a list of career professionals.
Once you have located two or three names, take time to call or email these counselors to see how you think they may fit for you. Many times, a counselor will provide a free 20 minute phone consultation to help you both assess a good fit. After you find the counselor that suits you, you will embark on a program that may explore your gifts and strengths, your interests and dreams, and you will begin to find a way to investigate work opportunities that will help you generate meaning, satisfaction, and financial health.
David Harris, M.T.S., M.S.
404.816.7171 x18
404 636 0849 (fax)
Hope. Progress. Solutions
Posted by daniellegruenphotography on February 25, 2010 at 8:05 pm
Thank you for posting this information. Career transitioners and job seekers so benefit from this information.
Danielle
Career Counselor
Founder Living Careers
livingcareers.net