Writing as a career counselor, my perspective is that everyone benefits from career counseling on a periodic basis, for a status check in: How is my career progressing? Am I happy in my role? What are my goals? Is there a skills gap I should be addressing? Counseling helps people experience healthier and fuller lives, based on making good choices toward greater intentionality. 

Career counseling for Tech students is tailored to their developmental needs. The career decision-making process involves self-assessment, gathering information, and decision-making, followed by planning and preparation. Self-marketing is also part of the process as students transition to professionals. Often a student is referred to career counseling for help in determining which major will support their professional aspirations and goals. Referrals are often made by the Counseling Center, staff with the Division of Professional Practice, and from the Center for Academic Success, as well as Career Services staff, academic advisors, pre-professional advisors, and the Office of the Dean of Students.

While the majority of students arrive at Tech with a specific major declared and continue in that direction, others are not so focused. Counselors work with students who may have entered Tech with an engineering major and decide to transfer to a science major or a business focus. Or students explore academia, industry and/or research as potential areas in which to build their careers, coming to more completely understand the roles they see for themselves. Occasionally a student will reach the conclusion that another institution is a better fit for their personal and professional goals. Even less frequently a student makes the choice to leave school for a period of time. The role of career counselor is to ask questions that help students clarify their thinking, encourage them to move to decision-making, and offer support in their transition process. Various assessment tools may be engaged at appropriate points along the process to assist students as they grow in ability to articulate their academic and professional goals.

In past semesters a small group career counseling series was offered to students and will be targeted to the international student population this fall.  It represents a structured opportunity for students to gather information about the world of careers, identify individual strengths, and practice articulating their story, anticipating recruiter interactions and internship/employer interviews.

Georgia Tech’s career counseling services are provided by licensed professional counselors who have special focus and experience in the career specialty. Students make appointments to meet individually and confidentially with a counselor to discuss career and professional concerns. Many students take advantage of career counseling to help answer “which of the more than 30 undergraduate Tech majors will help define my purpose?” The annual Majors Fair, Tuesday, October 22, is an opportune time for students to gather information, speaking with academic advisors, faculty, third and fourth year students, and alums about majors and careers. Then reflection and decision-making point them toward their path with greater confidence and self-assurance.

For more information on career counseling and Career Services at Georgia Tech, visit www.career.gatech.edu.