Overview Of This Scavenger Hunt Comprises Two Sections

Overviewthis Scavenger Hunt Comprises Two Primary Sections In The Fir

This scavenger hunt comprises two primary sections. In the first section, resources available through the National Career Development Association (NCDA) are explored through a question and answer scavenger hunt. The intent is to familiarize students with the various NCDA resources available. The purpose of Part II of this assignment is to learn how to use the Occupational Outlook Handbook to gather relevant labor market information that would be commonly solicited from career counseling clients. The Occupational Outlook Handbook, available online through the Department of Labor (bls.gov/ooh/), is a comprehensive source of career information that is often used by career counselors.

The OOH, which is updated every 2 years, provides detailed information on hundreds of careers. Instructions for Part I: NCDA Scavenger Hunt involve finding answers to 8 questions by searching the NCDA website. If you have difficulty navigating the website, ask your classmates for help. Answer these questions using complete sentences.

Directions: Go to the NCDA website (ncda.org) and find the answers to the following questions: What is the relationship of the NCDA to the American Counseling Association? What is the purpose of the NCDA? What are your personal results after taking the Career Decision Making Difficulties Questionnaire (CDDQ)? Note: Once you are at the CDDQ launch page, you can opt to take either the CDDQ or the CDDC (Coping with Career Decision-Making Difficulties). What is the purpose of the Motivational Assessment of Personal Potential (MAPP)? Find the website that will take you to the Occupational Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Find the Occupational employment projections to 2022 link. What are the anticipated fastest growing fields? What is the purpose of America’s CareerInfoNet? According to CareerInfoNet, what are the top five fastest growing occupations for persons with a bachelor’s degree? (Hint: Start with the Occupation Information links.) Using salary.com (linked via NCDA), what is the base salary range for a licensed professional counselor in Baton Rouge, Louisiana?

Part II: Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH) Scavenger Hunt involves using the OOH to answer questions from 5 scenarios. Use the OOH to find the answers to these scenarios, answering in complete sentences and providing justification when needed.

Paper For Above instruction

The first part of this assignment serves as an introduction to crucial career development resources, specifically focusing on the National Career Development Association (NCDA) and the Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH). The primary goal is to familiarize students with these tools to enhance their career counseling capabilities and better serve clients seeking labor market information. The second part provides practical applications through scenario-based questions, requiring students to utilize the OOH to make informed career recommendations based on various client situations.

Part I: NCDA Scavenger Hunt Analysis

The NCDA, or the National Career Development Association, functions as a specialized organization dedicated to career development professionals in the United States. It maintains a close relationship with the American Counseling Association (ACA), serving as a division focused specifically on career counseling and development issues (NCDA, 2023). The purpose of the NCDA is to promote and support effective career development theories, practices, and policies to enhance the career trajectories of individuals across the lifespan (Lent & Brown, 2013).

Participation in the Career Decision Making Difficulties Questionnaire (CDDQ) offers insight into personal challenges faced during career decision-making. The results typically illuminate areas such as indecision, anxiety, or lack of motivation, aiding students in understanding their own decision-making processes (Gati & Saka, 2001). The Motivational Assessment of Personal Potential (MAPP) is designed to evaluate an individual’s motivations, interests, and potential strengths related to career choices, offering personalized guidance (MAPP, 2023).

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics provides vital occupational data through its online platform. The occupational employment projections to 2022 highlighted the fastest growing fields, which notably include healthcare, technology, and renewable energy sectors (BLS, 2018). America’s CareerInfoNet is a comprehensive database that offers detailed career profiles, including job outlooks, educational requirements, and salary ranges. According to CareerInfoNet, the top five fastest-growing occupations for individuals with a bachelor’s degree include registered nurses, software developers, financial managers, health specialties teachers, and data analysts (CareerOneStop, 2023).

Regarding salary information, salary.com indicates that a licensed professional counselor (LPC) in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, earns a base salary ranging from approximately $45,000 to $65,000 annually, depending on experience and specific employer factors (Salary.com, 2023).

Part II: Applying OOH to Client Scenarios

Scenario 1 involves advising a client who seeks a well-paying career after being laid off from an automobile dealership. The occupational data suggests that investment bankers and airline pilots typically command high salaries. An investment banker, with an average annual income exceeding $100,000, would be recommended based on salary and job outlook, as the finance sector continues to expand (BLS, 2023). Airline pilots are also highly paid, though their job stability may vary based on airline industry trends.

Scenario 2 pertains to a college beginner evaluating employment outlooks. Occupational data show that occupational therapists have favorable job growth projections, with a high employment rate post-graduation, as healthcare continues to grow. Similarly, registered nurses and child care workers also present varying prospects; however, occupational therapists generally have the most promising outlook among these options (BLS, 2023).

Scenario 3 explores flexible career options. The data indicate that private detectives and tour guides often offer more flexible working hours compared to clinical roles like nurses. Private detectives, though less traditional, often have variable schedules, making them suitable for clients prioritizing flexibility (O*NET, 2023). Conversely, a bank teller's schedule is typically structured and less flexible.

Scenario 4 considers physical risk reduction careers. A security guard or motorcycle repair technician generally face less physical strain compared to landscapers or chefs. Based on injury reports and physical demands, security guards and technicians have lower physical risk profiles (BLS, 2023). The choice depends on the individual's injury history and risk tolerance.

Scenario 5 asks about a medical illustrator with an associate's degree. Additional training or education may be necessary to meet industry standards and certification requirements. The average income for medical illustrators is approximately $60,000 annually, with higher earnings possible with advanced education and a strong portfolio (Salary.com, 2023). The client should consider acquiring a bachelor's or master's degree in medical illustration or related fields for advanced opportunities (AAP, 2023).

Conclusion

This assignment highlights the significance of utilizing accurate career resources, such as the NCDA and the OOH, to inform career decisions and counseling practices. Understanding labor market trends, salary ranges, and job outlooks enables professionals to provide data-driven guidance tailored to client needs. By mastering these tools, students and future counselors can better navigate the dynamic landscape of careers, ensuring clients receive relevant and strategic advice.

References

  • American Association of Professional Coders. (2023). Medical Illustration Careers. https://www.aapc.com
  • Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2018). Occupational Outlook Handbook. https://bls.gov/ooh/
  • Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023). Fastest Growing Occupations. https://bls.gov/ooh/fastest-growing.htm
  • CareerOneStop. (2023). Top Occupations for Bachelor’s Degree Holders. https://www.careeronestop.org
  • Gati, I., & Saka, N. (2001). Career decision-making difficulties. Journal of Career Development, 28(2), 107-128.
  • Lent, R. W., & Brown, S. D. (2013). Social cognitive career theory. In A. J. Sampson, Jr., & W. B. Reynolds (Eds.), Career development and counseling: Putting theory and research to work (2nd ed., pp. 101-127). Wiley.
  • MAPP. (2023). Motivational Assessment of Personal Potential. https://mappassessment.com
  • National Career Development Association. (2023). About NCDA. https://ncda.org
  • O*NET. (2023). Occupation Information Network. https://www.onetonline.org
  • Salary.com. (2023). Licensed Professional Counselor Salary Range. https://www.salary.com

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