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• Helping Clients Find Their Own Direction: Robert Reardon and Janet Lenz Reflect on Career and the Success of the Self-Directed Search®

  The Self-Directed Search® has been used by more than 30 million people worldwide and has been translated into more than 25 languages. There are a number of career assessments on the market, yet the SDS continues to be extremely successful. What sets it apart? Recently, PAR had the opportunity to catch up with two SDS experts, Robert Reardon, PhD, and Janet Lenz, PhD, both from the Career Center at Florida State University and widely published in the career counseling arena. Reardon and Lenz have worked closely with SDS author John Holland as collaborators and authors of many SDS-related publications, including The Self-Directed Search and Related Holland Materials: A Practitioner’s Guide (PAR, 1998). The SDS is based on Holland’s career theory, which argues that vocational choice is an expression of personality, and that by identifying certain personality characteristics and preferences, better career choices can be made. “People often feel overwhelmed about how to relate their self-knowledge to career options,” says Reardon. “The SDS gives them a way to intuitively and logically make that connection.” One of Holland’s most important contributions was ...

• We are pleased to announce the release of the new Self-Directed Search® (SDS®) Web site

  We are pleased to announce the release of the new Self-Directed Search® (SDS®) Web site. The new SDS site has been completely revamped, enabling users not only to complete the test but also to learn more about the history, theory, and applications of the SDS. Targeted resource sections, supplemental information and links, case studies, and more are all swathed in a brand-new, contemporary design. You can also visit www.self-directed-search.com using your tablet or mobile device—the site automatically adjusts its interface to your device’s size and specifications!  

• Introducing the Self-Directed Search® (SDS®), 5th Edition Spanish Version

  One of the most respected and widely used career interest inventories in the world has been revised and updated to meet the needs of Spanish-speaking clients. Developed concurrently with the English version, the Self-Directed Search (SDS), 5th Edition Spanish Version by John L. Holland, PhD and Melissa A. Messer, MHS is a self-administered, self-scored, and self-interpreted career counseling tool designed specifically for use with Spanish speakers living in the U.S. Translated by experts and reviewed by practicing bilingual counselors, the SDS Spanish components include the Assessment Booklet, the Occupations Finder, and the You and Your Career booklet; the complete SDS Spanish Kit also includes the 5th Edition Professional Manual (in English) along with a Manual Supplement for the Spanish Version. An online Spanish Version is also available at www.self-directed-search.com, where clients can not only take the SDS online but also receive their client reports in Spanish, as well. Visit the SDS Web site to take the SDS in Spanish or to see the new Spanish language features and resources.    

• Helping students navigate the path from college to career: The changing role of college career centers

  Most students have a ready answer to the question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” For college students, those answers are generally expected to have some basis in reality. Many students believe that a session with a career counselor will not only clarify their career path but also guarantee them a job or at least a crucial company contact. However, there are people who think the role of the college career center should change. Andy Chan, Vice President for Personal and Career Development at Wake Forest University, posits that typical college career centers must shift their focus. Instead of providing job listings and assuming students will “figure it out,” career counselors should first focus on the student’s personal development, then work with the student to discover how those personal characteristics will relate to the student’s career interests. Providing students with the abilities and skills necessary to network effectively is also crucial. Chan also argues against the common misconception that a liberal arts degree will lead nowhere. In fact, a recent survey indicates that employers want their workers ...

• Join PAR at the NASP Virtual Convention

  

  Although NASP 2021 will not be in person this year, there are still so many opportunities to connect, learn more about your favorite PAR products and authors, and interact with PAR staff members. Join us during one of the following sessions:   LIVE session! Attendees will receive NASP CPD credit Wednesday, February 24, 1:30–2:30 p.m. Teleassessment With Children: Strategies for Success Presented by Carrie A. Champ Morera, PsyD, NCSP, LP; Terri D. Sisson, EdS; and Dan Lee, BS   On-demand sessions! Attendees can claim CPD self-study credit A Process Oriented Approach for Identifying and Remediating Reading Disabilities Presented by Steven G. Feifer, DEd, and Jack A. Naglieri, PhD The Neuropsychology of Written Language Disorders Presented by Steven G. Feifer, DEd, author of the FAR, FAM, and FAW Identifying Students with ADHD: Evidence-Based Assessment with the BRIEF2 Presented by Peter K. Isquith, PhD, coauthor of the BRIEF2 Tests and Scales: Evidence for Integrative Assessment of Executive Function Presented by Peter K. Isquith, PhD, coauthor of the BRIEF2 Helping Students Show What They Know: Enhancing Executive Functioning Presented by Steven C. Guy, PhD, coauthor of the BRIEF2 State of Affairs: Trauma Assessment Practices in Children and Adolescents Presented by ...

• November is National Career Development Month

  

  November may conjure up images of colorful leaves, cornstalks, and turkey, but, for the past 57 years, it has also been National Career Development (NCD) Month.  Championed by the National Career Development Association (NCDA), the purpose of NCD Month is to focus on activities that can help individuals find, grow, or change career paths. Career professionals, students, and employees are encouraged to engage in a variety of activities like career workshops, résumé refinement, and career exploration and awareness.   Here are some activities for individuals interested in promoting career development:  Participate in NCDA’s annual poetry and art contest, which promotes career development.  Encourage students to dress up for their dream careers for a day.  Hold a career fair.  Help students or employees update their résumés.  Inform students about job shadowing opportunities, internships, and tours.  For businesses, set up a mentor program for your employees. Encourage your staff to be mentors or get a mentor.  For career professionals (or any professional looking to provide career guidance to clients or students), the Self-Directed Search is a time-tested career assessment tool that matches an individual’s aspirations, activities, and talents to the ...