Career Counselling and Guidance in the Workplace

Book excerpt: The average 21st-century career is one of constant change: an individual can no longer expect to remain with one organisation his or her entire life, achieving managerial status through natural progression. Today's job market requires constant re-training and adjustment because of skills obsolescence, age discrimination and technological illiteracy. On the other hand, younger or less qualified workers find it difficult to enter the labour market because of a lack of skills or experience. Career counsellors should be able to help clients to navigate this difficult and changing role. The book offers a practical framework within which the career counsellor can work. The text explains the role of the career counsellor within the organisation; discusses the key concepts that influence career behaviour; explains the use of counselling and guidance tools and techniques; offers insight into the profession and practice of career counselling; and provides guidance within an international and a South African context. Integrating theoretical and practical perspectives, this book offers a comprehensive overview of career counselling and guidance services, practices, tools and techniques in an organisational context. It consists of five chapters, each of which has a summary, key terms and review an discussion questions.