Human development is comprised of complex processes and one of these processes is career development. The process occurs across the lifespan and therefore career counselling should be offered while putting into consideration the lifespan perspective of human beings. It is important for career counselors to support the unique needs that an individual has during the different life stages (Zunker, 2016). Zunker (2016) further adds that human development is influenced by varying environmental as well as cultural systems. Considering this, it’s essential to perform counselling from a holistic perspective, in accordance with case conceptualization. As development and growth takes place, numerous changes occur in an individual’s lives, and career perspectives are no exception.
Career as well as educational preparations begin during the childhood stages and continue through one’s course of life. The developmental lifespan model has a great influence on career planning. Counselors are therefore expected to be conversant with the various human life stages. As they guide their clients through life, it’s crucial for counsellors to understand that children, adolescents and adults have different needs. For instance, when counselling children, more focus should be on improvement of social, communication as well as industrial skills. Adolescents on the other hand, require guidance on development of quality relationships and interpersonal skills that can be beneficial during later stages of life. Being conversant with lifespan stages, can enhance knowledge involved in assessment, evaluation and placement of individuals in jobs
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Integration of career counselling when working with people from different lifespan stages is important. In cases involving children, focus should be made on skills that are required to ensure success in education, social and vocational life. Such skills are known as foundational skills and they include skills such as entrepreneurship and social skills (Gysbers, 2013). For adolescents, focus should be made on goal setting, making plans and skills involved in decision making. Newman& Newman (2012) suggests that serious career decisions should be made during adulthood stages, after an individual has gained valuable life experiences. With adults, career counselling should be focused on career development (Zunker, 2016). Retirement counselling on the other hand should be focused on making transition from employment and workforce life easy.
Appropriate career counselling models are supposed to concentrate on conceptualization of counseling from a client’s developmental life stage. A model such as that of Erick Erickson, which focuses on personal identity is an appropriate career counselling since it considers developmental information as a foundation of comprehensive career plan. Pieget’s cognitive development theory is also appropriate as it focuses on knowledge acquisition in children, as well as their environmental engagement during various steps (Zunker, 2016)
References
Gysbers, N.C. (2013). Career-ready students: A goal of comprehensive school couselling programs. Career Development Quaterly, 61 (3), 283-288. doi:10.1002/j.22161-0045.2013.000057.x
Newman, B. M. & Newman, P. R. (2012). Development through life: A psychosocial approach. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Cengage Leaning.
Zunker, V. G. (2016). Career counselling: A holistic approach (9 th ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage Learning. ISBN 9781305087286
