University and College Students: Start Planning Your Career Today!

“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” -Confucius

Are you trying to figure out what to do with the rest of your life? Are you close to finishing high school and trying to decide which programs to apply to at university or college? It can often times feel like an overwhelming decision. For some students, they are interested in many different career paths, while other students tell me they don’t have any idea of which direction they want to head. It’s confusing at times.

Career planning is not always a linear, straightforward, or easy process. There is no magic crystal ball or recipe that will give you a definite answer. However, through an intensive career counselling and assessment process you will be sure to gain further clarity on your next steps.

When I work with students I usually have an initial session in which I learn about my client’s background, work and academic experiences. For students are unsure about their career path I often times recommend assessments. There are four key pieces that career counsellors focus on:

  • interests
  • personality
  • values 
  • skills

As a result, most clients will complete three assessments including an interest inventory, personality assessment and career values scale. This is another way of collecting good information that helps us to reflect on the important questions you have regarding your career. In addition, clients will be given a helpful tool to document their skills and accomplishments.

Typically, the career counselling and assessment process requires a minimum of three sessions to be thorough. Others may require four or five sessions. Many clients come every other week to ensure they have time to do the recommended reflective practice in-between their sessions. Whatever your goals and preferences are, – we can reach an agreement that is helpful for you.

My passion is helping individuals to thrive and not just survive throughout the course of their careers and lifespan. If you’re considering career counselling but unsure, you can request a free 15 minute phone consultation with me. In addition, upon your request I can direct you to online examples of the assessments you’d be completing. Please don’t hesitate to ask any questions about the process.

 

By: Allison Foskett, MA, Ph.D Candidate, CCC, Provisionally Registered Psychologist

 

“The best way to predict the future is to create it.”

-Abraham Lincoln