Assignment: Informational Interview
Employment centers, also known as one-stop career centers, have become increasingly popular as jobs become more competitive and the process for securing employment becomes more complex. Upon accessing these centers, clients can utilize a wide variety of services, including access to the Internet to search major employment websites, career assessment and testing, resume and cover letter support, online employment application support, and job-readiness training. Career counselors must be familiar with all of these areas to best support their clients.
To complete this assignment, visit a one-stop career center or local career center (or a career center online) and evaluate the services available. As part of the visit, schedule an appointment to meet with a career counselor and conduct an informational interview. Gather information on the following:
• Role of the career counselor
o Responsibilities carried out on a typical work day
o Common challenges experienced in providing career services
o Common misconceptions about career counseling
o How theory informs work with clients
o Advantages and disadvantages of online versus in-person counseling
• Types of services available
• Assessment and testing options
• Sources of occupational and educational information available
• Access to services (availability, cost, length, etc.)
• Evaluate the Zeren (2015) article
After gathering the above information, write a 1750- to 2450-word (5- to 7-page) paper, not including the title and references pages, discussing your findings. Conclude with an evaluation of the overall services available and recommendations for improvement.
The response should include a reference list. Double-space, using Times New Roman 12 pnt font, one-inch margins, and APA style of writing and citations.