We all have different reactions to testing. Some get a small sense of dread, others might feel a small thrill at the idea. But apprehension or anticipation aside, testing, particularly psychological testing is a vital part of the career consultation process. But why do we weigh testing results so heavily? In part 2 of Career Consultation 101, we’ll cover the basic explanation for using testing as part of the career consultation process. To set the stage, remember that testing always involves a comparison. You could be compared to something external (a sample of other people) or internal (your own scores in another area or from another time you took the same test). Our careers are important. We will dedicate more time to

Career consultation is one of those strange services that could benefit almost everyone, but doesn't help each person the same way. You don't have to work in any field that long before you start to notice patterns.  One of my first jobs was as a salesperson at REI (an outdoors store) and within a few weeks I started to get a feel for what different kinds of people wanted.  Some wanted a specific piece of gear, some wanted to share stories or pictures, and some wanted to learn. There were commonalities, but you couldn't treat everyone the same. And this got me thinking about career consultation. Career consultation is one of those strange services that could benefit almost everyone, but doesn't help each person

  Career decisions can be difficult enough on their own, add the complexity of the career consultation marketplace, and it starts to seem cruel. You've already noticed that there seem to be no shortage of consultants, counselors, and coaches that offer career services. Because these decisions are so important, it's worthwhile to know who you're talking to. In part 1 of Career Consultation 101, we'll cover the differences between these professionals: Because these decisions are so important, it's worthwhile to know who you're talking to. Career Coaches (or life coaches): These are individuals that offer career advice based on their experience or prior training that they have received.  As a general rule, coaches do not complete a academic program (meaning,

We all have careers…  and maybe you, like many others, have considered career consultation to help you with a difficult career decision or perhaps simply for your own personal/professional development. Full of optimism, you google “career consultation” for your nearest consultant. And this, perhaps, is where the trouble begins. The results are endless. Coaches, guides, consultants, counselors, psychologists, and therapists offering tests, journals, courses, seminars, sessions, and workbooks, promising fulfillment, and charging anywhere from free to thousands of dollars.  You can’t be blamed if you decide to give up, but we’re going to try and help. Full of optimism, you google "career consultation" for your nearest consultant. And this, perhaps, is where the trouble begins. In the coming weeks MNCC is