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Stage One: Job Placement Services
Frank Parsons, the father of Career Counseling, created the model of Career Counseling which is still relevant today. As Industrialism began to rise in the 1800s the need for job placement became a concern. As industry grew rapidly people began moving away from their farms or agricultural based jobs to industrial jobs in more populated areas. One major contribution to the field made during this stage was the implementation of psychological testing. -
National Vocation Guidance Association Founded
NCGA is the recognized leader in developing standards for the career development profession. In 1985 NVGA was renamed and became the National Career Development Association (NCDA). Thus NCDA is the first, longest running career development association in the world. -
Stage Two: Educational Guidance in Schools
As a result of the Industrialization movement, the baby boom, and other factors the United States saw an influx in population as well as an influx in the amount of students in elementary and secondary schools. This stage saw the emergence of Educational counseling as the need to educate and prepare students for life after school become increasingly important. -
The Great Depression
The Great Depression was having a major impact on the country and people who had abilities and skills were not able to get jobs because of the quick and significant decrease in the economy The need for career counselors grew during this time as the need for employment was high priority in this country. -
Works Progress Administration Created
The Works Progress Administration was established as an employment source for the millions of people who were out of work. -
Stage Three: Colleges and Universities and Training for Career Counselors
The need to train counselors was a direct result of social transitions created by two major world-wide events, World War II and the USSR’s rocket launching. During World War II there was a major lack of jobs as well as the unemployed veterans who returned from war. The rocket launching took America by surprise as they believed they were far more technologically advanced than any other country. -
G.I. Bill of Rights Established
G.I. Bill (of Rights), also called Servicemen's Readjustment Act, U.S. legislation passed in 1944 that provided benefits to World War II veterans. It assisted them in returning to work and school and helped place them in jobs. -
American Counseling Association Established
The American Counseling Association is a not-for-profit, professional and educational organization that is dedicated to the growth and enhancement of the counseling profession. It is the world's largest association exclusively representing professional counselors in various practice settings. -
National Defense Education Act Founded
The National Defense Education Act (NDEA) was signed into law providing funding to United States education institutions at all levels. -
Stage Four: Meaningful Work and Organizational Career Development
This stage was marked by the growing aspiration to find meaningful work as well as organizational career development. During this time work became viewed as a prevalent life role. Individuals sought out to find work that was meaningful or that would make a difference in the world. There was a huge growth in career counseling in governmental agencies, nonprofit company agencies, and in business and industry during this time. -
Stage Five: Independent Practice and Outpatient Counseling
Career counseling began to shift from an industrial age to an information and technology age as there was a growth of private practice career counseling and outplacement services. It was becoming more socially accepted and therefore counselors began opening up their own private practices. As companies began downsizing during this time due to decreases in the economy the need for career counselors grew so they could help the unemployed or laid off workers find new employment. -
Stage Six: School-to-job Transition, Multicultural Career Counseling, and Increase of Technology Use.
During this time technology was advancing and enhancing communication as well as the counseling process. Not only were counselors able to more effectively communicate with other professionals and clients but the use of the Internet opened up many doors for career counselors. Along with the internet came new ethical codes and standards for counselors across the country. Technology among other factors aided counselors in expanding their reach to international levels as well. -
The Americans with Disabilities Act Established
Prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in employment, transportation, public accommodation, communications, and governmental activities. -
School-to-Work Opportunities Act
Assistance of high school students' entry into post-secondary education or training strategies for upgrading the skills of their workers. This act set seven standards that protect the rights of employees and employers. -
Workforce Investment Act
Reforms federal job training programs and creates a new, comprehensive workforce investment system.