Explain what critical analysis is and use this to evaluate 2 theories of Career Guidance - Essay Example

Critical analysis and Theories of Career Guidance al affiliation Critical analysis and Theories of Career Guidance Critical analysis is the method in which works of certain authors are analyzed critically, by application of reasonable and rational thinking. With this, analysts argue, that it becomes extremely undemanding to understand the concepts brought up in certain texts. Shrivastava (2004) argues that, through critical analysis, readers are able to question the contents of certain works, therefore make tangible conclusions through arguments and reasoning.

Readers and learners are also able develop awareness of use of critical questions while reading certain works. Learners are well conversant with the appropriate time and contexts to ask and answer critical questions; while reading and analyzing texts. This essay shall apply the rules of critical analysis to analyze two theories of career guidance.One of the theories of career guidance is the congruence theory or the talent matching theory. According to Swanson and Fouad (2009), this theory emanates from traits of certain individuals and the factors that lead to their choice of certain careers.

In short, certain traits that are innate influence decision making by these individuals towards career choice. From the work of Swanson and Fouad (2009), it is evident that congruent theory applies diagnosis and evaluation towards attaining the best decision in regard to career choice. In this process, the concerned parties are able to derive the best course of action towards decision making. In the quest to attain the best decision making in relation to career choice, the practitioner applies the use of questionnaires that allow the interviewee come to the best conclusion regarding career choice.

The interviewee also has the choice of using psychometric tests that are directed towards making the best decisions in terms of career guidance. The developmental theory of career guidance works on the basis that, in order to make the best choices towards career guidance, it is mandatory that individuals view themselves in the future careers and what their roles ought to be in their careers. According to Hawthorn, Kidd, Killeen, Law and Watts (1996), this model argues that development is an incessant and irrevocable process.

As people develop, they are likely to select an occupation and develop whilst in the job. Career counseling allows individuals develop awareness in their line of career development. Individuals are also given a chance to advance in their career development as well as motivated towards getting better in making choices that relate to their careers. Career development goes hand in hand with the development of individuals. For instance, in the early stages of one’s career, focus must be placed on the individuals’ need to make decisions and adjustments in the new careers.

After working in the particular job group for a while, there develops a need to establish the roles of the individuals in their jobs; and what they aim to attain in the long run. Essentially, this process allows individuals take charge of their career life in various stages, as well as attain maturity and satisfaction in their careers. BibliographyHawthorn, R, Kidd, J, Killeen, J, Law, B, and Watts, G, 1996, Rethinking Careers Education and Guidance: Theory, Policy and Practice, London: Routledge.

Shrivastava, R, 2004, Literary criticism in theory and practice. New Delhi: Atlantic Publishers & Dist.Swanson, L, and Fouad, N, 2009, Career Theory and Practice: Learning Through Case Studies, New York: Sage Publications, Inc.