What role does knowledge have in a career discussion? Not much, say some. But I have never been convinced that this is true. It is certainly the case that what matters is the client’s ability to access resources, make choices, take actions. However, the Careers Adviser has a particular role in helping the navigation. And that help can be delivered effectively and in a timely way by TELLING the client something they do not know.
INFORMING the client of something is sometimes better than helping them to inform themselves. Why? Well it might save time. It might help them to focus their own learning in a more purposive way. There is something more dynamic about ‘telling’ Its more committed. You are trusting your judgement and encouraging a client to trust it too. Its this that gets people nervous. Why should you be trusted? How do you know what you know? How do you know what you know is true? How do you know that what you know is true is helpful to the client?
Oh well. like a good guidance specialist, its all about questions. But I need to develop some answers. I think they will centre around the importance of ‘context’ in guidance. Too little has been mnade of this in the literature.
