Getting StartedGetting StartedCareer Planning and Counselling Resources for IndividualsIf you're a current tertiary student or recent graduate, your first 'port of call' in seeking career guidance should be your institution's Careers Service, however what resources are available if you don't fall into either of these groups? Over the past few years there has been an increase in the number of independent, or private, careers counsellors. Independent career counsellors work on a fee-for-service basis, however, long-term unemployed people are able to access the services of a careers counsellor for free through government agencies. Currently a nationally recognised accreditation system for careers counsellors does not exist, although professional bodies are working towards the establishment of such a system. Of the professional groups, the Careers Industry Council of Australia (CICA) and the Australian Association of Careers Counsellors have undertaken more work than others in this area. When considering using the services of a private careers counsellor it would be prudent to establish the bona fides of the provider – their level of experience in the area, their qualifications and the fee structure. Private careers counsellors can be found in the Yellow Pages under ‘Careers Counselling’. Recruitment consultants and job boards often offer some career planning services on their sites. There has been a withdrawal of government provided careers services at the state level. The federal government has also made radical changes to its provision of services. The provision of a national employment service has been privatised and careers counselling services are currently provided by the Commonwealth Rehabilitation Service. The provision of careers information is under the control of the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations . The federal government has funded a major project involving the development of an online careers resource site. The site, known as myfuture , was launched in July 2002, and provides a unique, comprehensive career exploration and information service for students in the secondary and teriary sectors in Australia. The site also provides information for those assisting job-seekers, from family and friends to teachers and careers advisers. Another site offering a range of careers exploration services (some paid and some freely available) is the Worklife site – www.worklife.com.au . The complexity of information available and the rapid change experienced in the world of work are prime drivers in the need for people to contact careers counsellors. The three most common reasons for people having difficulty reaching a decision with their career planning are: lack of career information, lack of knowledge about available options and lack of direction. Careers counsellors don’t necessarily provide answers to problems, nor will they make decisions for their clients, however they can assist individuals sort through issues, and may suggest strategies and provide alternatives so that clients can make their own decisions.
This article was taken from the internet job-seeking guide Working The Web. © GCA 2008
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