VOL. XIX, NO. 1
SEPTEMBER 23, 1977
Career Counseling Offers Opportunities
BY JOAN GAGES
All students know that when people finish their education they start working at a job, and usually change occupations several times during the course of their lives. But few students realize how many hours are spent at a job, and how important it is to like and have a continuing interest in their chosen career.
After reading the above paragraph many people think, "I have plenty of time to decide my career. I don't have to think about that for a long time." For students who plan to start working directly after high school, it isn't that far off. Students who start college without a general idea of a chosen career usually end up switching majors, and finding out that the switch costs them extra years to get the new required courses in.
The reasons and evasions can go on and on. What is so difficult about thinking about career possibilities? What is so frightening? The earlier students explore career possibilities, the more time they have to make a decision. Exploring career possibilities brings this story to the subject at hand‑the Career Resource Center. One of the most important things students need to realize before using the C.R.C. is that no one is expected to complete their final career plans by thinking for a few minutes. Career plans take much thought and need to be constantly updated.
All students know that when people finish their education they start working at a job, and usually change occupations several times during the course of their lives. But few students realize how many hours are spent at a job, and how important it is to like and have a continuing interest in their chosen career.
After reading the above paragraph many people think, "I have plenty of time to decide my career. I don't have to think about that for a long time." For students who plan to start working directly after high school, it isn't that far off. Students who start college without a general idea of a chosen career usually end up switching majors, and finding out that the switch costs them extra years to get the new required courses in.
The reasons and evasions can go on and on. What is so difficult about thinking about career possibilities? What is so frightening? The earlier students explore career possibilities, the more time they have to make a decision. Exploring career possibilities brings this story to the subject at hand‑the Career Resource Center. One of the most important things students need to realize before using the C.R.C. is that no one is expected to complete their final career plans by thinking for a few minutes. Career plans take much thought and need to be constantly updated.
For students who have little or no idea about where their career interests lie, one of the most informative services they can use is Self‑Awareness Testing. A test which helps students locate their interests and learn which careers correspond with their interests is the "Strong Vocational Interest Blank".
The Career Exploratory Kit contains file cards and pamphlets which outline career areas in general, and describe specific careers. There is also information in the cards concerning factors to consider in choosing a career, and deciding on further education.
Each Center at any Maine school has a library of filmstrips pertaining to occupations, and colleges. At Maine West the filmstrips are stored in the library, where students can listen to them in the carrels.
Another function of the C.R.C. is to help students obtain a social security card, or a work permit.
According to Mr. Killam, a service used most often is the Guidance Information System, which is a computerized data retrieval system. Information about occupations, colleges, and financial aid can be obtained from the computer. According to the Career Counselor's handbook, "The system examines the ways in which each students' personal criteria for selecting colleges and occupations effect the range of opportunities open to them." There are aides in the C.R.C. each period who assist students in using the computer.
The Career Exploratory Kit contains file cards and pamphlets which outline career areas in general, and describe specific careers. There is also information in the cards concerning factors to consider in choosing a career, and deciding on further education.
Each Center at any Maine school has a library of filmstrips pertaining to occupations, and colleges. At Maine West the filmstrips are stored in the library, where students can listen to them in the carrels.
Another function of the C.R.C. is to help students obtain a social security card, or a work permit.
According to Mr. Killam, a service used most often is the Guidance Information System, which is a computerized data retrieval system. Information about occupations, colleges, and financial aid can be obtained from the computer. According to the Career Counselor's handbook, "The system examines the ways in which each students' personal criteria for selecting colleges and occupations effect the range of opportunities open to them." There are aides in the C.R.C. each period who assist students in using the computer.
