Many
people’s experience of career counselling in the UK is not terribly positive,
but our career counselling services in London will be nothing like that!In
past career counselling in the UK, I hear that girls were expected to be nurses
or secretaries, and boys were groomed for the Military, Finance, Law and
Medicine. Students deemed intelligent were channelled without question into
science, because ‘that’s what clever people do’. Nowadays, teachers and careers
staff are less rigid, and students are more focused on ‘who am I?’, but there may
still be pressure to do what is expected.
Down the line, I meet many stressed high-fliers who have gone into the City
because that is what one does rather
than because thoughtful consideration has gone into ensuring that this is the
correct choice.
Many
UK schools have introduced psychometric input into careers counselling, but teachers
can arbitrarily be nominated as the careers person with minimal training. Although
some computer generated career reports can offer some good suggestions, sometimes
students are simply presented with them and have no real understanding of why
these careers have been suggested and thus no real buy-in. Sadly, I am often
told, ‘it was useless’, yet looking at the report, there can be some valid
points. Pupils should have a counselling consultation with a professional
trained to interpret and explain the results.
Schools
often have psychometric data on pupils through CATs. What does a high verbal
reasoning mean for a career? If that pupil is facts-oriented, then Law or
Public Affairs could hold appeal. If the pupil is more feeling-driven, PR and
Journalism may be better choices. If the student is facts-oriented and stronger
non-verbally and mathematically, then physics, chemistry and engineering might
be more appropriate fields, and for a feeling type, architecture or multi-media
design. School advisers need to think in these terms. It is important to
consider natural talent and not just test results which can be influenced by
the effectiveness and charisma of the teacher. Often students who claim to be
all-rounders displays distinct talents in the psychometric assessment.
I
assessed one client who was failing in her legal career, yet she had worked
hard and attained a good honours degree from Oxford. From her results, it was clear
that she was strong logically, mathematically and visually, but her verbal
reasoning score was actually below average! She had thought that she was strong
with words because she had done well in essay-based arts subjects, but she had
excelled in English not because she was talented with words, but because she
had conveyed emotion, creativity and sensitivity in her writing and analytical
skills in literary appreciation. She would, ideally, have studied architecture
or design.
Note
that, so far, no mention has been made of interests. Many psychometric and
on-line careers questionnaires are based on interests alone, which are not the
most helpful element for career decisions! Young people may have little
exposure to the world of work, so how can they know what may be interesting? Many
will choose or deselect a career because another family member does that, or because
it pays well or is seen as glamourous. Wanting to be a pilot does not mean you
have the ability or temperament.
Without
the benefits of psychometric test results, it can be hard to advise confidently
and to avoid picking careers at random in the hopes that one of these (seen as appropriate
to a person of that social standing and background) may hold appeal. We help
hundreds of clients identify study and career fields of interests through our
career counselling services in London.
What
of those who are not of degree calibre or prefer to learn on the job? There are
many vocational qualifications and apprenticeships these days, but are careers
teachers may feel compelled by league tables to encourage traditional A Level
courses. Parents may expect their offspring to be groomed for University (especially
if paying!), so not all options may be considered.
When
I began in career counselling consultancy over twenty-five years ago, a degree
was not obligatory. Now nearly everyone has a degree and employers, who need to
find reasons to eliminate applicants, may reject those who went to less
prestigious universities or who failed to obtain 2:1 Honours! They may even
revisit UCAS points! Many employers will also want to see internships and work
experience. There is clearly an argument for working up as an A Level entrant
or for taking vocational qualifications on the job to avoid this stiff
competition later on. There is a wealth of apprenticeships, including degree
apprenticeships these days, which can prevent student debt.
We are fortunate to also have career counselling
for adults in the UK; an increasing number of organisations are emerging.
However, not all career counselling services in London and elsewhere have
qualified psychologists administering scientifically designed psychometric
assessments and writing personalised reports. Some career counselling in the UK
can also be very corporate and more pitched towards outplacement counselling
than concerned with matching the person to the career.
The career counselling services I provide here at Sherridan Hughes Career Consultant includes career coaching, analysis, career design and general support throughout your chosen career. Based in London, I am able to provide my services throughout and the surrounding areas so that as many people as possible, both young and old, can get career support they need to succeed.
Experienced Career Counselling
With more than 28 years of experience as a career consultant, I am proud to have been mentioned in the media for my efforts and prestigious services. With recommendations from previous and existing clients, as well as other therapists and counsellors, I use personal methods in creating bespoke career counselling for all of my clients in .
Do I Need Career Counselling?
You will need career counselling if you are unclear on these questions
- What do you enjoy about your career?
- Do you have transferable skills?
- What are your values?
- Do you know what options are available to you?
No matter what role you are currently in throughout , it is important that you get professional career counselling when you are unable to answer the questions above. When you come to use my services as a professional career consultant, I start with assessing your options, motivating you, building your personal impact, helping you stand alone and building confidence in your career role.
Call Me
Career counselling also comes in handy when you are looking at changing careers or developing your own personal attributes within your current role in . Whatever you are needing my services for, you can call me on 020 8769 5737 to discuss your thoughts