Career Guidance--When, Where and by Whom?

Career guidance holds a significant place in secondary education today. Many of today's generation are no longer motivated by extrinsic rewards alone, consequently educators must harness a higher level of needs in order to work constructively with today's youth. There must be more maximizing of human potential, which is possible through career guidance and development. In a society that is in a constant state of flux (due to such factors as technological advances and changing social roles), career guidance must (1) fulfill the need that youth and adults have for reliable and valid information about educational and vocational possibilities, (2) help parents and teachers understand information about students' various characteristics, including assets and weaknesses, and (3) direct use of new research and practices in guidance and counseling. Career guidance can take place in all settings; however the school environment is of particular importance. Career education can easily be infused into the curriculum, with career guidance taking place through use of the printed word, audio and audio-visual media, and through experience. Also guidance personnel, including both professional workers and support personnel should be responsible for providing the human aspect of the occupational decisionmaking process and should consider personal, interpersonal, and systemic factors influencing a counselee's use of guidance information. Counselors are accountable for the successful integration of students into the adult world of work. With the help of career guidance activities the increased working marriage of industry and the schools bodes well for the future. (SH)