Career Development

Putting It All Together: Summarizing Theories of Career Development

The purpose of this chart is to synthesize information concerning the various career theories discussed throughout the course, as well as to serve as a tool for NCE preparation. Complete the chart with the appropriate information, using your textbook as a reference.

Theory

Key Concepts

Goals of Career Counseling

Super’s Life-Space, Life-Span Theory

Holland’s Theory of Types

Gottfredson’s Theory of Circumscription and Compromise

Krumboltz’s Learning Theory of Career Counseling

Lent, Brown, and Hackett’s Social Cognitive Career Theory

Cognitive Information Processing

Brown’s Values-Based, Holistic Model of Career and Life-Role Choices and Satisfaction

Hansen’s Integrative Life Planning

Post-Modern Approaches

Reflection Questions:

1. In 2–3 paragraphs, compare and contrast one traditional theory of career counseling and development with one recent theory of career counseling and development. What are the major differences in how each theory describes the career decision-making process and goals for career counseling?

2. In 2–3 paragraphs, discuss any insights you have gained about the use of traditional and recent career theories with diverse and/or marginalized populations in your area of specialization. How do cultural issues affect career counseling? What have you learned about specific populations (e.g., persons with disabilities, gender minorities, etc.) that you did not know previously? How might you use this information in the future?