“Why would a teenager need career consulting?”
“Can’t we just wait for an idea to come along? -- after all that’s what I did…”
Career development begins in the toddler years [see the article “Career Development Starts at age 2” on my Resources link]. In this global economy, career transitions are more frequent and rapid, and the era of working for one employer in one career has ended. According to current research, the average college grad changes jobs or careers 16 times across the lifespan! To keep up with this rapid change young adults must take extra steps to succeed in this work environment---that previous generations did not.
…Career identity deserves guidance time & focus from adults just as we guide kids in developing cultural, religious, and gender identity…
Career development takes effort, long term focus, and knowledge about career tools for exploring job or college options. Teens need help to actively choose their identity—self awareness about their values, beliefs, and interests. They need support to develop creative and critical thinking skills, assertiveness, and communication skills for success. Most importantly, they need to learn how to express their strengths and invest in their limitations through training and experience.
We offer career counseling using whole person perspective--life history, health and academic information, and self knowledge. This process may include career testing and/or homework exercises devoted to self esteem, self understanding (values, strengths, limits), communication skills (listening, assertiveness), creative and critical thinking skills, and problem-solving workplace communication issues.
We also offer skill development support in resume development, job interview skill development using role play and videotaping, and job search skill development.
Teen Career Issues
CAREER DECISIONS
- Job vs. travel vs. college decisions
- Who or what do they want to be
- Self-esteem issues
- Work communication skills--listening, sharing opinions, team-work
JOB-SEEKING SKILLS AND MOTIVATION
- A job search that is going nowhere
- A need to develop resume and interview skills
DECISIONS ABOUT COLLEGE
- What college they would like to attend
- What major to choose
- How to enjoy their education