Psychology

The five theories of career counseling

There are five career counseling theories including trait-oriented theories, social learning and cognitive theories, developmental theories, person-in-environmental theories and other theories such as sociological, perspective of work and career development theory. This paper summarizes what entails these theories and how they are used. Introduction

Career counseling is an important aspect of career development. With career counseling, it is possible for one not only to choose a choice career but also to do it from a knowledgeable basis. Incorporating theories in career counseling enhances our understanding of human behavior thus guiding our actions. Five career counseling theories are popularly known including trait- oriented theories, social learning and cognitive theories, developmental theories, person-in-environment theories and other theories such as Ginz and Associates theory.

Trait-oriented theories
Trait-oriented theories of career development posit that it is possible to assess an individuals potential work placements by matching given work environments with an individuals traits. These human traits include persons abilities, the interests of the individual as well as the personality of that person. As much as self-knowledge is important in assessing career information, work environment can also be viewed from other angles such as the prerequisites of a particular work, person-environment fit among other factors that determine personal needs. A good example of a trait-oriented theory is the trait-facto theory. The trait and factor theory implies that one evaluates both the characteristics of the person as well as the characteristics of the job. As such, trait and factor theory posits that choosing an occupation involves trying to match an individual to a job so that their needs will be met and their job performance will be satisfactory (Wendy  McMahon, 2006, p 22). Although the traits may be a biological factor, they can also be learned and are subject to change.

The person-environment correspondencefit approach makes an assumption that people as well as the environment keep on changing. At the same time individuals adjust to these changes as they come. As such, people tend to look for environments in which they fit best. The Hollands theory of vocational personalities and work environments best illustrates the person-environment correspondence. Hollands typology categorizes people as Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising or Conventional. Environments are also categorized in a similar manner. As such, the tendency is to have people look for environments in which their aptitudes and their values can be best expressed. When an individuals personality interacts with the environment, behavior is thereby generated. Trait-oriented theories can be used by school staff and counselors to guide students in making informed choices regarding their careers.

Social learning and cognitive theories
According to social learning and cognitive theories of career counseling, more weight is given to the role of self-knowledge as a dominant determinant when deciding on which career to pursue. Some of the things that are taken into account in these theories include information processing skills as well as human characteristics like personality and aptitude. The way the above characteristics interact to shape growth and development becomes of importance in career choice. Moreover, social learning and cognitive theories take into account sociocultural as well as socioeconomic factors. It is taken that the more a person is able to do a certain activity, the more successful and productive they are (the idea of self-efficacy). As such, the more a person increases their learning abilities, the better they become in information processing which translates to career choice (Wendy  McMahon, 2006).

Developmental theories
Developmental theories theorize that as individuals undergo personal as well as psychological development, so do career choices change. According to the Life-Span, Life-Space theory of career development postulated by Donald Super, different occupations will require different abilities as well as different personality traits. Since people also differ variably in abilities and values, individuals get to fit into different occupations well. As people grow and develop, so do their experiences, abilities as well as their interests do. Eventually, their career choices and paths follow the same path of development (Wendy  McMahon, 2006). In essence, career development is multidimensional with continuity as well as discontinuity stages. It is therefore possible to take up different roles in life simultaneously. These theories help much in case a manager wants to match workers with the jobs they are most suitable for. It is therefore an important tool for supervisors and managers.

Person-in-environment theories
Career construction theory helps in providing a developmental theory of vocational behavior. With career construction, individuals are able to use work as a means of advancing self-completion such that individuals find meaning as well as satisfaction even as they plan their lives. It is a comprehensive approach that addresses vocational behavior from a differential, developmental as well as a dynamic point of view. As such, immediate and life-long satisfaction in life is achieved. Counselors are able to incorporate the three components of this theory in understanding how people construct their careers.

Life themes are important in this case as they aid in incorporating self-organization of personality. The choice of the career and adjustment to a vocation is a factor of self-extension of adaptability in a given career (Holland, 1997). Other theories of career counseling that have been used include the sociological perspective of work and career development as well as the Ann Roes a needs approach. Career construction theory is best suitable mobile workers as it helps them in reducing confusion and fragmentation.

Conclusion
Developing a successful career which is full of satisfaction requires career counseling. As such, the understanding of the five career counseling theories is necessary for counselors who are able to positively impact individuals. A good understanding and application of career counseling theories results into a good career development.