CNL-525 Topic 4: The Influence of Gender: Career Counseling Initial Session and Summary
Student name
Student ID
Institution
Instructor’s name
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Zoom Link:
https://my-gcu-edu.zoom.us/rec/share/OXa-WezY6FUYrTW9y712MkEG0ZKR9M7HRuX60E2Ql6V-sFJUG4Unf_cnunAWDnED.Jb3ktR1EsSQ7OCGl
Part 2: Reflection
1. What career theory did you use in the interview and was it effective?
The main career theory used in the interview was the theory of person-environment fit. As per Gander et al. (2020), the theory posits that people are satisfied with their jobs if they develop a positive relationship with the work environment. People must fit in the workplace and the workplace must also be fit for them. During the interview, I asked questions about the work environment and work schedules that would be conducive for the interviewee. As a mother and wife, she needs a job that would fit her schedule. For instance, her son is into sports and they travel a lot hence an 8 a.m. to 5p.m job would not be convenient. The interviewee mentioned that job satisfaction is more important to her than the amount of money she makes. She also mentioned that her main drivers in seeking a career include making money, engaging in society, and having a purpose besides cooking and cleaning.
We considered several jobs including nursing since the interviewee mentioned that she wanted to work in a hospital and engage in direct interactions with the patient. We also considered a teaching aid position since she was interested in working with younger children because they require the teacher’s attention. The school environment was suitable for her because she needed a hands-on job and working with children was perfect for her. I recommended that she seek opportunities in school districts especially because she intends to start working in September at the beginning of the school year.
2. How did the gender of the individual influence your recommendations?
The gender of the interviewee had a significant influence on my recommendations. I had to consider that the interviewee was a mother and she still had responsibilities at home. Since she had been a stay-at-home mum for 13 years, it was also important that she selects a job in which she has the skills to engage in given that the employment industry had changed significantly since she had previously been formally employed.
3. What challenges due to gender do you see the individual encountering?
The interviewee is likely to encounter several challenges due to gender. She has not been working formally for 13 years hence it is likely that her skills may be questioned. She may also feel that she is not competent enough to work in a formal environment and this may reduce her motivation and confidence levels. Additionally, as a mother to a child who is active in sports, her ability to be always present when needed by her employer will be questioned since she still spends a lot of time traveling with her son. Another challenge that may arise is the gender pay gap because she may not be perceived as competent when compared to her male counterparts in the same job position. Career advancement may also be difficult because she still has to fulfill her responsibility as a mother.
References
Gander, F., Hofmann, J., & Ruch, W. (2020). Character Strengths: Person–Environment Fit and Relationships with Job and Life Satisfaction. Frontiers in Psychology, 11. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.01582