09 Nov Career Scoop: Careers, Counselors and a Computer Program

Byron, a Career Solutions client, receives job training

In every profession there are tools. Carpenters have their hammers,
athletes have their game plan, and sales people have their merchandise.
So how do you know when you’ve found the right career path and the tools
you’ll need?  Two must-haves come to mind.  It’s important to know what
you’re interested in doing and what you do well and that’s the challenge
many people face when trying to find a job.

At Goodwill we use Career Scope, a computer-based interest and aptitude
assessment that gives clients a method to determine their strengths and
interests.  Career Scope isn’t a test. Career Scope is a series of
questions that gauge various skills and provide our clients a clear
picture of the career path that best suits their capabilities.

For instance, if a client has an interest in a clerical position, but
may not yet have the computer training needed to succeed, Career Scope
will let the client know what type of training and skills are needed to
achieve their goals.  On the flip side, if a client has a skill but has
never considered that skill marketable to a potential employer, Career
Scope can help provide clarity about a job path they may never had
considered.

Career Scope also connects to OccuBrowse+, a Web search tool that takes
the information from the client, calculates the distance from their home
to potential job locations, and matches the job to the client.  This
is a powerful combination when used by a Goodwill career counselor and a
client to map out
a strategy for career exploration.

Career Scope is to a career counselor as a kitchen is to a chef.  It
allows the career counselor to focus on the client’s self reported
goals, interests and aptitude; mixes them together to lead them on the path to success.