An educational counseling practice that deeply interests me is career guidance and development—particularly for senior high school and college students. In my experience, many students at this stage struggle with uncertainty about which course or career path to pursue. This confusion often results in frustration, decreased motivation, or even frequent shifting of courses, which can affect their academic and emotional well-being.

Effective career counseling plays a crucial role in addressing these issues by helping students explore their strengths, interests, and values and align them with suitable career opportunities (Brown & Lent, 2019). With structured guidance, students are better able to set realistic goals, make informed decisions, and develop confidence in their chosen paths.

Having a dedicated career counselor in every school can make a significant difference. Counselors can offer career assessments, one-on-one counseling sessions, and experiential learning opportunities such as internships or mentorship programs. These supports not only guide students in decision-making but also foster self-awareness and long-term career adaptability, key competencies in an ever-changing world of work (Savickas, 2013).

I believe that when students have clarity about their future direction, they become more motivated, purposeful, and engaged in their studies. Career guidance is not just about helping students choose a job—it’s about empowering them to design meaningful lives built on self-knowledge and lifelong growth.

References:

Brown, S. D., & Lent, R. W. (2019). Career Development and Counseling: Putting Theory and Research to Work (3rd ed.). John Wiley & Sons.

Savickas, M. L. (2013). Career Construction Theory and Practice. In S. D. Brown & R. W. Lent (Eds.), Career Development and Counseling: Putting Theory and Research to Work (2nd ed., pp. 147–183). Wiley.

Super, D. E. (1990). A life-span, life-space approach to career development. In D. Brown & L. Brooks (Eds.), Career Choice and Development (2nd ed., pp. 197–261). Jossey-Bass.