Lesson 1: CAREER DEVELOPMENT - DEFINITIONS AND MODELS
Objectives
To define career terms and introduce the concept of career development as a
process
To explore the linkage of life roles and career development
Think for a minute: What Does "Career" Mean to YOU?
"Career development has been defined as the interaction of psychological, sociological, economic, physical, and chance factors that shape the sequence of jobs, occupations or careers that a person may engage in throughout a lifetime. Career development is a major aspect of human development. It includes one's entire life span and concerns the whole person. Career development involves a person's self-concept, family life, and all aspects of one's environmental and cultural conditions" (ICDM, p. 4-1).
Zunker writes: "Career development, occupational development and vocational development are used interchangeably. These terms refer to a lifelong process of developing beliefs and values, skills and aptitudes, interests, personality characteristics, and knowledge of the world of work. Specifically, the terms reflect individually developed needs and goals associated with stages of life and with tasks that affect career choices and subsequent fulfillment of purpose." (Donald Zunker, 1994, p. 3).
Recently, the use of the word "career" has expanded to include all life roles. This framework broadens the scope of career planning as well as the basis from which to identify interests and skills. The effect of this "total person" concept is an increased opportunity for building self-esteem. This usually results in a higher motivation level.
Check these links
http://www.cdf-global.org/index2.htm
http://www.cdf-global.org/info/usrequirements.htm
http://www.1stop.org/telmemor.htm#oregon
http://www.sasked.gov.sk.ca/docs/life/ltmod10.html
http://www.ed.gov/databases/ERIC_Digests/ed304632.html
http://www.careers.unomaha.edu/Virtual/CDProcess.pdf
Assignments:
- Journal: You are expected to begin keeping a weekly journal . Consider writing your entries in a document file on a specific day each week, perhaps after you finish your assignments. Alternatively, some students find it useful to let learning jell a bit before writing. You may write ANYTHING. I have provided some prompts in Appendix C of your training manual. Keeping a journal is a very powerful tool in career development. You may earn 10 points each week by writing 5 or more sentences in your journal, 5 points for one to four sentences, and 0 points if not completed.
- Life Line: Diagram or outline your own career path to date, using the form on page 11 of the CDF Training Manual, or create your own, including all of your various life roles. You may want to note your perspectives about the roles as well. This activity might provide food for thought for your journal. Bring this to class next week to share. This assignment is worth 20 points if completed clearly, neatly, and with substantive detail, points will be deducted for lack of: clarity, tidiness, or detail. Bring this to class next week to discuss.
- Print the CDF Application for Credentialing from the Council for Credentialing and Education's USA page: http://www.cdf-global.org/index2.htm
.
- Post your thoughts in the Class Discussion on the following question and read and respond to what two others have to say: How does change affect your roles? (PS Let me know in your entry who you will read and respond to). For example: "If I return to school, I may not have as much time to take care of aging parents, be with my children, or participate in a leisure activity." Five points for thoughtful entry, 3 points for casual entry, 1 for minimal entry.
Please e-mail Susan
Roudebush if you have any comments.
Updated January 4, 2002
Copyright 2002, Susan Roudebush