Slayton-Mitchell, J. (1990). The college board guide to jobs and career planning. New York City: College Board Publications.

OVERVIEW

This excellent reference guides young people who are interested in learning more about careers. The fact that it is published by The College Board attests to its quality and reliability as a resource. Furthermore, as a school counselor and former teacher, the author superbly meets the informational needs of teenagers and young adults. The easy-to-read page layout and attractive print also contribute to its readability.

The beginning of the book is entitled, "High School Planning." Within this chapter, the author reveals her purpose in writing this book as she states, "When you think about it, curriculum choices in the 8th, 9th and 10th grades are career choices." Indeed, the entire book is a thought-provoking guide for a high school student planning a career.

"College Planning" is another fantastic section. One hundred careers are divided into fifteen different groups, and all are described. The careers range from performing and visual arts to science and technology. For each career, the author describes what it is like to work in the particular field. Education and skills needed to succeed, future employment and salary prospects, where to get more information, and a career planning checklist are discussed.

This comprehensive and informative book is a very good tool for anyone—especially young people—needing more information about various careers. However, because this book attempts to provide information on so many careers, the amount of detail offered on each career is limited. Additionally, the author primarily describes careers; the issue of determining what type of person is suited for what type of career is relatively untouched. Finally, the book does not provide many options for high school students who are not planning to attend college.

The following quotes within the book offer provocative thoughts:

You can develop your career as you want it, when and where you want it.

When you graduate from high school, you should be able to look at your academic record and ask yourself, What do I do best? What do I like best?

The career descriptions in this book will raise your awareness of your job possibilities.

To get a sense of the range and complexity of careers, read whatever areas interest you. Don’t end up in college with a narrow view of jobs that you learned about through hearsay, through TV versions of trial lawyers, cops, and docs, or through the latest parental pressure for you to be in computers or in management or in architecture. Read about the educational and personal skills required for success in these careers. Do they sound like you?

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION AND DISCUSSION

1. When is a good time for kids to start thinking about and exploring what they might like to do for their adult years?
2. What kind of direction or conversation should be initiated with young people? Whose responsibility is it?
3. Should pressure be put on kids before they show an interest in discussing it?
4. Where and what are the best career planning resources for kids?
5. What or who usually influences kids in their career choices early on in their lives?

IMPLICATIONS

1. Sometimes, in order to choose the right career, one simply needs good information.
2. Persons who work with young people may help them choose their career by providing them with accurate information about themselves and careers.
3. Good information and a helping hand are often all that is necessary to help young people make good decisions for which they will be grateful the rest of their lives.
4. Having a vocation and source of livelihood should be a stabilizing and enjoyable factor in life.
5. Everyone has unique talents and gifts. Youth workers need to help young people identify their own. Usually what one is good at allows him or her to be both happy and successful.