Career Counseling Theory

Parson's Trait Approach suggests individuals have certain traits or characteristics to make them well qualified for certain occupations. School counselors deliver career guidance by identifying certain approaches such as, students strengths, encouraging exploration, providing guidance and support, and improving decisions making.  This theory sets direction and purpose for creating and developing plans for student success. 

• School counselors suggest careers that are well tailored to student's abilities, interests, and personalities. 

• While counselors understand student's abilities, counselors suggests a range of potential careers that align to their interest, abilities, and provide options to help them explore further. 

• Counselors then develop a plan for achieving goals and provide the resources they need to direct them through the job search. 

• Students make well informed career decisions by understanding their strengths, weaknesses, and interests. 

The trait approach is a useful tool for career guidance to students by creating an understanding of student traits and abilities.  This helps students make informed decisions about their future and provide the guidance and suppport they need to achieve their goals (McDaniels, 1994).