New TV series on career changes

RTE have a new TV series on changing careers called  
  “What am I worth”
To-night, Caitriona O Brien in her late 20’s featured. She’s had a series of half hearted careers so recruitment expert and presenter Lisa Holt helped her  to move into a new career.

It showed all the things you’d expect from career guidance

     • Finding out what  Caitriona wanted in a job
     • Review of  CV
     • Personality profiling
     • Interview skills

It showed her researching and experiencing different jobs and practising in front of a mirror.

However, I was surprised  they did not do an interests assessment at the start . This would have given her a quicker insight into the type of jobs she is likely to enjoy, as she spent some time sampling different types of jobs. Our clients find  interests assessment really useful in identifying occupations they may not have thought about.

Probably for the purposes of TV, but I felt the presenter’s approach was strident. She mentioned many  people don’t succeed because of lack of self confidence, but then proceeded to use  phrases like

                    “whip into shape”, “I (Lisa Holt) have to make it happen”

If people are lacking confidence, and   challenging  is required, it should be  encouraging and positive rather than a tone which implies

                          “You’re a bit of an eejit,”  

After all, if you’re lacking in confidence, you’re likely to be critical enough of your self already!

And sorry folks, but career coaches, or career guidance counsellors can’t
“whip you into shape” or “make it happen” for you.
We can provide information, give advice, act as a sounding board, gently challenge your thinking, help you to improve your skills, but ultimately only you can make it happen.  If a career coach tells you otherwise, walk away.
 
Overall though the show is well worth watching, if you’re thinking of a career change. It’s  on RTE1 at 8:30 pm on  Tuesday nights for a further 7 programmes .

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