CAREER DEVELOPMENT - Developmental Goals of Counseling and Guidance

Adapted From: Developmental Program of Guidance and Counseling
Pennsylvania Department of Education, 1992

Early Childhood - Grade Pre K-2
Develop a positive attitude toward work.
Be aware that work can help us to achieve personal success.
Develop an awareness of what it means to work and of one’s personal interests and preferences.
Understand the importance of personal responsibility, dependability and other good work habits.
Be aware of a variety of careers in the community and the student’s view toward them.
Develop an awareness of the relationship between learning and work.
Be able to describe the work of family members, school personnel and workers I the community.
Be aware of the changing roles of males and females in the workplace.
Be aware of individual responsibilities in the family and how these prepare one for responsibility in the workplace.
Develop awareness that persons who work in their communities are a source of information about careers.
Know about some of the important jobs that are required in the community.

Grades 3 - 5
Learn to appreciate the dignity of every kind of work.
Learn how to relate personal interests, leisure time activities and abilities to possible occupational choices without prejudice, bias or stereotyping.
Understand that effective work habits in school transfer to occupational settings.
Understand the relationship between the needs of the community and the work performed by community members.
Understand how decision making is related to career planning.
Develop an awareness of the relationship between the importance of school subjects and future occupational choices.
Be aware of non-traditional occupations.
Recognize that sex role stereotypes, bias and discrimination limit choices, opportunities and achievement of personal goals.
Understand the terms and concepts used in describing employment opportunities and conditions.
Recognize reasons why people may choose certain careers and why choices may change.
Be aware of the concept of career clusters and the relationship of occupations in a cluster to interests and abilities.
Learn the importance of working cooperatively with others at home and in school.
Develop an awareness of one’s personal health and how it relates to successful employment.

Grades 6 - 8
Understand that the achievements of one’s goals in life are related to a positive attitude toward work and learning.
Learn how to use a career planning process by preparing an individual education/career plan for middle school and anticipate changes due to personal maturation and societal needs.
Develop an awareness of the level of competency in academic areas needed to achieve career goals.
Understand how interests, work values achievements, and abilities impact upon the career choice.
Learn how non-traditional occupations offer expanded career opportunities. Understand what employers expect of applicants and employees.
Learn about leisure and recreational activities that best fit personal needs and interests and contribute to personal satisfaction.
Understand the personal qualities, e.g., dependability, punctuality, getting along with others, which are needed to secure and keep a job.
Know about training opportunities in the community which will enhance employment potential.
Develop knowledge of the relationship between school subjects and future educational and occupational choices without regard for prejudice, bias or stereotyping.
Be aware of alternate educational and vocational choices and the corresponding preparation for them.
Understand how geography affects career opportunities.
Understand the challenges, adjustments and advantages of non-traditional occupations.
Be aware of employment trends as they relate to training programs and employment opportunities in the local community.
Be aware of the factors which impede performance and productivity in the workplace.

Grades 9 - 12
Learn how to modify career/educational plan based upon realistic assessment of strengths, needs and achievements in both academic and non-academic areas.
Know how to select a program of studies based upon current career information which will prepare for the demands of the selected occupation/career.
Understand how personal preferences and interests will influence career choices and success.
Learn to get along with others by using human conflict management skills with peers and adults.
Understand the employment application and interviewing process and develop effective interviewing techniques.
Understand the importance of “dressing for success.”
Develop a personal resume, letter of application, portfolio and other appropriate correspondence.
Learn how to conduct a job search by using a variety of sources of career information.
Identify available employment opportunities and their requirements during and after high school.
Know the benefits, working conditions and opportunities for advancement in jobs or careers related to personal interests.
Understand and use the “networking” process.
Understand the importance of sound work habits and the need to be productive.
Understand the continuing changes of male/female roles and how this relates to career choice.
Understand how current decisions and choices affect the future. Be prepared to enter the job market by demonstrating employability skills.
Understand how to manage change in and ever-changing economic world.
Be aware of employer / employee relations which operate in the workplace.
Understand that the changing world of work demands lifelong learning and training.
Understand the importance of a drug-free workplace.
Be aware of the logistics and economic requirements for finding and holding employment.
Know what to look for when choosing a job, e.g. type of work, benefits, location, opportunities for advancement, etc.
Know how to budget for the future.

Community Connections

Business and Industry
Chamber of Commerce
Speakers Bureau
Pennsylvania Job Centers - Employment and Placement Agencies
Youth Apprenticeship / Employment Programs
Career Planning / Placement Offices
Community Colleges
Libraries
Career Resource Materials
Career / Job Fairs
School / Business Partnerships
Shadowing Programs
Mentor Programs
Academic/Corporate Partnerships
County / Regional / State School-To-Work Councils
Service Learning / Volunteerism

Additional Programs for Career Development
Career Academies
Portfolio Development
Vocational Technical Schools
Vocational Student Organizations
Cooperative Education
Explorer Posts (BSA – Boy Scouts of America Exploring Division)