Hi Andronikos,

I'll also answer a firm YES. My response is based upon having managed career Services for a Fortune 500 company in the USA and having sponsored and conducted numerous career workshops, having observed our feedback (100% positive from employees and managers) as well as the progress our clients have made. I've also mentored numerous individuals through the years.

The effectiveness of mentoring programs depends upon the match between the mentor and mentee as well as how committed each are to the process.

I would not say that in-house career counseling services are prevalent in the USA, however I do not have data on this. Numerous companies will claim that management offers career counseling (by, for example, first line managers) as part of their management process, though I would not think this is what you are referring to when you ask about "career counseling".

Ron

Ronald G. Shapiro, PhD

As a Career Management Coach for the past 2 1/2 years but having previously been in the financial executive community for nearly 30 years, my perspective is a bit limited. However, I have not seen career services inside the mid-sized companies which is where most of exposure has been. Career development might appear more like executive performance or leadership development inside many mid-sized and larger companies. Those companies frequently see that as enhancing the quality of management leadership and supporting the growth of the business.

With the millennial generation quickly having more of a presence in corporate leadership, a focus on the development of careers may become more of a priority. Those young professionals will embrace that support and that evolving approach will encourage stronger retention in the organizations.

The ideal structure of career development services in the corporate environment will hopefully evolve over time. In the meantime, current executive leadership will have to overcome any concerns regarding 'coaching the employees right out the door'. The employee focused organizations will embrace this sooner than later. And the employees of all generations will appreciate the shift.

As a provider of career development services on an individual basis, I frequently find my clients interested in career enhancement, with significant appreciation for strategic and tactical savvy for advancing in their profession. I believe there is an opportunity for coaching and teaching models in the career development space within the corporate communities.

As an entrepreneur, addressing those needs in the business community would be rewarding assuming the corporate community will find value in providing those services to their employees.

Mark Myers, MBA, CPA, CCMC, CJSS

ABSOLUTELY. Especially for medical doctors, there is need to make a transition to a brand new model- the business model. Skill in medicine or science does not necessarily translate into business or management skills

career counseling is absolutely necessary especially for businessmen and women to enhance their knowledge of new global best practices, customer care and even sources of additional funds for expansion. career workshops will facilitate better the sharing of experiences, making new business contacts and having a global view of what is involved in business. Career counseling is not widely applied in my country.

Thank you Anyanwu for your contribution to this question.