Career Counseling - Essay Example

Career Counseling Table of Contents Table of Contents 2 Case 3 Case 2 4 Case 3 5 Bibliography 7 Case Social cognitive career theory is based on the three basic models of self efficacy, outcome expectations and personal goals of an individual. In the case of Randall, the social cognitive career theory can be applied for the reason that Randall has shown great courage after the accident and did not lose all hope. One of the basic factors in this theory is that of efficacy which means the power to create or an individual belief of success. It has been evident from the case that Randall has been a bright young boy in the past and has been good in academics as well as sports. It is also evident from the case that Randall has always been competitive and career oriented in his approach. Thus it is a very hard for Randall to overcome the accident and lead a normal life. Even the effects of the accident have taken a greater toll on the physical as well as mental abilities of Randall. But still it can be viewed that Randall have the desire within himself that gave him much required confidence. Though life after the accident would not be the same again but his attitude made it lot easier for him to lead life. Personal performances and accomplishments have considerable connection with that of efficacy. Even outcome expectations and personal goals play great role. Randall wanted to become an aeronautical engineer and was preparing for it but the accident turned away his attention from studies because it was quite taxing for him. But still it is known that Randall opted for CADD (Computer Aided Drafting and Design) after the incident and wanted to lead a simple life. He also felt that he was not different from others in any aspect. His optimism was one factor that made him more strong and confident. Determination and achievement are the other foundations of the social cognitive learning theory. The determination of Randall to achieve something after going through so much of turbulence is one such example. The social cognitive learning theory has both strengths and limitations but with bilateral perceptions. It depends a lot on the situation as well as the mind frame of the learner. It provides a more flexible focus on the development of the learner. The three bases which are efficacy, expectations and goals are three internal factors of the learner. Thus it is only with the learner’s willingness along with proper counseling that could turn the limitations into the learner’s advantage. Case 2 Cultural approach only comes to play when there is any problem in relation with that of culture and the environment in a broader aspect. In this case, it is a very profound situation for Benita who is facing problem in coping up with the changing environment and the culture of education. It is evident from the case that Benita has been good in studies throughout her life. It has become a problem in the recent past because of the shift in the culture and environment. It is not only the environment or the culture but also the loneliness which has created problems for Benita. Benita has made only one friend, therefore it is very practical for any one to get depressed if exposed to a newer environment. It is also observed that one of the major fears of Benita is her being black. She has only befriended another black African woman. Thus the fear of being unaccepted is taking a toll on her. Therefore it is very essential for Benita to alleviate her fear and make friendship with all irrespective of their caste and creed. Mixing with all will instill in her more confidence in her life and also in her studies. It is a very difficult situation for Benita but a certain bit of resilience will prove very beneficial for her. What she actually lacks is courage. If she can gain courage then things will automatically turn good in her favor. Therefore, in this scenario the cultural approach has a greater role to play which will enable her to mix with other students of that culture which can help her to come out of her loneliness. In modern day concept, the world is considered as a global village, therefore it is not a tough job to mix with people and be one of them. It is only that Benita has to break open her psychological blockage and mix with people, which will prove beneficial for Benita. Similarly, it can be the case of any other student shifting their base and stepping in a foreign land for work or study. Cultural approach generally comes into play when there is a difference of culture. In many such cases when people find it difficult to sustain in different environment all together, cultural approach can be extensively used to counsel the depressed patients. Case 3 It is true that the model of social cognitive learning theory fails to establish and address quite a few of the problems of Randall. But it is also necessary to understand that a person like Randall who has gone through such trauma and hardships will have an unpredictable pattern of behavior. The elements of self efficacy, outcome expectations and personal goals play a major part in the case of Randall as well as in the theory of social cognitive learning. In the light of this case, it can be seen that Randall always possessed three essentialities. He was always determined of bringing a positive effect in his life. He also expected a lot from himself and had a goal of becoming an engineer. It is only the accident and its effect that has caused him to think in other terms, but still he possesses higher level of mental strength to cope up well with his problems. The Social Cognitive Learning Model is appropriate for the counseling of Randal as the counselor would only have to focus on the three key areas which he had already possessed. It can be looked forward towards the method of counseling that would enable Randall to reclaim his past. Physically it might not be possible but still mentally it can be done (Niles & Harris-Bowlsbey, 2008). Bibliography Niles, S. G. & Harris-Bowlsbey, J., (2008). Career Development Interventions in the 21st Century. (3rd ed.) Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall. Read More