Real-Life Decision Making -- Solution
You recommend Claire for support as she pursues a teaching career.
You feel she needs this vote of confidence and you believe she is a strong
candidate to finish the degree program required to become a kindergarten teacher.
But an employment counselor working for the government turns down the application.
The course is too long and Claire has no experience in this field.
Claire wasn't prepared for rejection. She is discouraged and quits your
six-week program with a week to go. You wish you had voiced more of your concerns
and helped her with some more realistic alternatives.
Employment counselors need to help their clients see the whole picture.
There are many factors that go into any career decision.
"Career decisions are life decisions," says career advisor Karen Girard.
"We need to take in all aspects of life, including personal life cycle, location
and economy -- we delve into all these areas.
"When I can work one on one with someone, I am able to get to those more
personal aspects," says Girard. "It is always great to start off in a workshop,
but most of my private clients come to me for one-on-one so that we can look
at their very specific life experiences and situation to help them find the
best options based on their personal scenario."