Career Counseling Theories

John L. Holland's Theory

• Counseling focus on 'now,' existing factors
• Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, & Conventional
• Career environments, combination of RIASEC types
• Personality type correlates with environment
• Work satisfaction dependent on match

Donald E. Super's theory

• Understanding self-concept (values, interests)
• Growth, exploration, establishment, maintenance, & disengagement
• Knowledge of work world, exposure, impact on career maturity
• Career success = flexibility and balance of life roles
• Value attainment spans life stages

Mark L. Savickas (ca)

• Holland like, ?'s the connection
• Life Themes/experiences connect to work
• Career Adaptability
• Story-telling counseling approach

John Krumboltz' theory

• Pre-existing behaviors
• Genetics, environment, learning experiences, approach/decision skills
• Debunking career myths
• Positive reinforcement/influence of positive models
• Exploration focused to create new learning opportunities