SYSTEM NOTICE

Auto translation by AI. Be sure, accuracy, nuances and authorial intent may not be fully reflected.
見出し画像

To Those Considering Taking the Career Consultant Examination: Introducing JCDA's Philosophy and Features

日本キャリア開発協会

Hello. This is the official note of the Japan Career Development Association (JCDA).
Thank you for always reading our posts.

This time, we will introduce the philosophy of career support that we at JCDA value, as well as its features.
We hope that those who are considering taking our courses or the examination will read this as one piece of material to help them think while comparing it with their own interests and values.


Introduction

"Which examination organization should I choose?"

When you start thinking about taking the career consultant examination, many people likely pause at this question.

The career consultant examination is conducted by multiple organizations.
All organizations are working to cultivate career support professionals through fair examinations, based on their respective expertise and in accordance with the competency requirements for career consultants established by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.

In recent years, social expectations surrounding career consultants have also changed significantly.
Reports from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare's study groups indicate that against the backdrop of changes in industrial and employment structures, technological innovations such as DX and AI, and the diversification of work styles and values,the need for individuals to build their own careers is increasing further.

Amidst these environmental changes, career support is also required to adapt to these changes.


How to Think About Choosing a Training Course or Examination Organization

The perspective of choosing based on "whether it suits me"

When choosing a training course or examination organization, you might focus on things like "price" or "ease of learning."

On the other hand, when considering working as a career consultant, the perspective ofwhat kind of career support philosophy the educational institution or organization valuesalso becomes important.

Career support is not a job of providing correct answers.
It can be said that it is a job that requires the expertise to support the process of the client looking back on the experiences they have accumulated so far, re-assigning meaning to them within the context of their connection to society, and thinking for themselves about their future direction.

Choosing a training course or examination organization is not just an entrance to taking the exam, but also
"What kind of engagement do I want to value?"
"What kind of career consultant do I want to become?"
I think it is also an opportunity to face such questions.


JCDA's Philosophy and Its Features

Support that gives meaning to experience and leads to growth

While it is just one perspective, what JCDA places at the core of career support is the concept of "Experience Metabolism."

This is a perspective that emphasizes the process of carefully reflecting on what meaning those experiences hold and how they connect to the growth of the self-concept, rather than simply organizing experiences as mere events.

The report from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare's study group also indicates the importance of future career consulting support that, in addition to helping solve immediate problems, fosters the ability for clients to envision their own desired future and continue to grow.

One of the important perspectives mentioned in this regard is the process by which the individual discovers the meaning and significance of working while mutually connecting "self-understanding," "work understanding," and "environmental understanding."

In JCDA's practical examinations and learning processes, we value the "power of dialogue" that supports such introspection.
Rather than a technique for efficiently organizing a story, this could be called the ability to build a relationship where the other person can speak with peace of mind, without rushing to conclusions about what they are saying.

Even in actual support settings, before judging
"whether to change jobs right now"
or
"which choice is correct," having the client put into words what values they have cultivated and what they have valued in their work leads, as a result, to convincing decision-making.


To Those with Practical Experience

From "Using Experience As-Is" to "Re-assigning Meaning"

Among those already involved in human resources, career support, or counseling work, some may feel that "their experience to date is sufficient."

On the other hand, the study group report also points out the importance for career consultants themselves to maintain an attitude of reflecting on practical experience while connecting it to theories and frameworks, and continuing to learn.

At JCDA, we believe that for those with practical experience, the learning opportunity to "stop once, organize experiences, and re-assign meaning" is essential.

A clue for this is the "JCDA Official Career Consultant Practical Examination (Written/Interview) Study Guidebook."

The guidebook is structured to organize not only points for exam preparation but also support philosophies such as:
・From what perspective to accept the client's narrative
・How to support self-understanding and introspection

By connecting past practical experience with professional theories and concepts, a realization that "my support had this kind of meaning" is born, leading to confidence and consistency in future interactions.

Furthermore, the significance of re-learning in a training course, even for those with practical experience, is not small. The opportunity to broaden one's perspective and viewpoint while engaging in dialogue with diverse participants in a group training setting, as well as the opportunity to think again about ethics and responsibility as a professional, are also important learning experiences.


In Conclusion

Make a Choice That Fits the Person You Aim to Be

Amidst the increasing uncertainty of the economic and social situation, career consultants are expected to play a role as professionals who stand by an individual's life, while simultaneously acting as a bridge between society/organizations and people.

Choosing which training course or examination organization to go with is, I believe, a process of thinking about
"what kind of career support philosophy you resonate with"
and
"what kind of professional you want to become."

What kind of approach to engagement do you value?

We hope that you will make a choice you are satisfied with by comparing it with your own past experiences and the way you wish to engage with others in the future.

If you are interested in JCDA's philosophy, one way to start is by taking a look at the “JCDA Official Career Consultant Practical Examination (Written/Interview) Study Guidebook.” The process itself may already be an opportunity for “experience metabolism.”



▼References and Related Materials


▼Website
　https://www.j-cda.jp/
▼Instagram
　https://www.instagram.com/insta_jcda
▼note
　https://note.com/note_jcda
▼X (formerly Twitter)
　https://twitter.com/NPO_JCDA
▼Facebook
　https://www.facebook.com/JCDA.Page/