On-line careers work – hit and myth

Abstract

Much of careers work is located on-line and this article examines what on-line careers work does well. That makes the internet a careers-work hit; but there are also internet myths. And the article identifies them as camouflaging what is at times no worse than a shortfall, but which can also do actual damage. So there are issues. The article sets out evidence to show how careers work is well-equipped to deal with them. The conclusion illustrates the need for what it calls ‘grasp’, ‘reach’ and ‘embodiment’:

• grasp enables critical thinking in an on-line search for reliable learning
• reach connects on-line learning to off-line usefulness
• embodiment internalises on-line experience as off-line identity.

All require direct-and-personal conversation between careers workers and their clients-and-students. The article therefore significantly repositions careers work in relation to the net. And in relation to policy.