In recent decades support for the design of active lives has generally been conceived as an aid intended for qualified workers to manage their careers on the labor market. This conception is, for example, the basis of the official definition of this support published by the Council of the European Union in 2008. However, alternative definitions…

How could interventions for life- and career-construction contribute to a development that would be ecologically sustainable, socially just and based on decent work activities? Most career interventions today generally only aim to include individuals into the current systems of work and economic exchange without questioning the role that these…

This article examines the role played by dialogic processes in the designing or redesigning of future expectations during a career guidance intervention. It discusses a specific method ("Giving instruction to a double") developed and used during career counseling sessions with two recent doctoral graduates. It intends both to help them outline or…

In our societies, where jobs are unstable and employment uncertain, and where the traditional social bearings tend to lose their hold, individuals must deal with a major issue: designing their lives. To help them do this, counselors need to develop certain appropriate procedures. This development supposes that knowledge is available about the main…

At the beginning of the 21st century, a new social arrangement of work poses a series of questions and challenges to scholars who aim to help people develop their working lives. Given the globalization of career counseling, we decided to address these issues and then to formulate potentially innovative responses in an international forum. We used…

A discussion group composed of vocational psychologists, guidance professionals, and career development specialists from around the world identified and discussed new challenges in understanding work and providing relevant career services. Four major themes emerged: What revisions are necessary in the profession's theory and practice to address…

Explores the ultimate goals of today's practices career guidance practices. Notes that it seems unlikely that the individual development model, prevalent in guidance for several decades, could stand up to ethical questioning of its presumptions. The author suggests another model, that of human development. (Contains 62 references.) (GCP)

Career guidance has changed in response to workplace changes, theories, and ethical, political, and social objectives. In the current world context, the central aim of guidance should be revised to assisting individuals to reach their potential by helping others to do the same. (Contains 74 references.) (SK)

A French career guidance method, Discovery of Occupational Activities and Personal Plans, helps adolescents become aware of occupational stereotypes, acquire skills and qualifications, and transfer new knowledge and skills. Comparison of experimental and control groups shows that the method succeeds if new knowledge is grafted onto old and has a…

The Career Theory in an International Perspective group highlighted 7 approaches: action theory, self-construction model, transition model, dynamics of entering the workforce, narrative in career guidance, dilemma approach, and interactive identity construction. Three main characteristics appear to be common to these different contributions: (a)…

Discusses several methods of educational orientation practices to help in the development of personal and career aims. Suggests that changes are first cognitive and specifically involve professional representations. Examines oral presentations in class, group working sessions, individual discussions with counselors, and television programs…