Ginzbergs Periods of Career Development

Period Age Characteristics

Fantasy Before 11 Purely play orientation gradually becomes work-oriented and
reflects initial preferences for certain kinds of activities.

Tentative 11-17 Transitional process marked by gradual recognition of work
requirements; recognition of interests, abilities, work
rewards, values, and time perspectives.

Realistic 17 young adult Integration of capacities and interests; further development of
values; specification of occupational choice; crystallization
of occupational patterns.

Zunker, V.G. (1990). Career counseling: Applied concepts of life planning. Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks/Cole Publishing.


Supers Stages of Career Development

Stage Age Characteristics
Growth before age 15 Development of capacity, attitudes, interests, and needs
associated with self-concepts.

Exploratory 15-24 A tentative phase in which choices are narrowed but not
finalized.

Establishment 25-44 Trial and stabilization through work experiences.

Maintenance 45-64 A continual adjustment process to improve working position
and situation.

Decline 65 + Pre-retirement considerations, work output, and eventual
retirement.

Zunker, V.G. (1990). Career counseling: Applied concepts of life planning. Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks/Cole Publishing.


Supers Vocational Developmental Tasks

Task Age Characteristics
Crystallization 14-18 Formulating a general vocational goal through awareness of
resources, contingencies, interests, values, and planning for
the preferred occupation.

Specification 18-21 Moving from tentative vocational preferences toward a
specific vocational preference.

Implementation 21-24 Completing training for vocational preference and entering
employment.

Stabilization 24-35 Confirming preferred career by actual work experience and
use of talents to demonstrate career choice as an appropriate
one.

Consolidation 35 + Establishment in a career by advancement, status, and
seniority.

Zunker, V.G. (1990). Career counseling: Applied concepts of life planning. Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks/Cole Publishing.

Hollands Typology (Also known as the RIASEC Model)


Personal Style (Descriptions) Theme Occupational Environment/Examples
Generally like to work with things
more than with people. Described as
conforming, frank, genuine,
hardheaded, honest, humble,
materialistic, modest, natural, normal,
persistent, practical, shy, and thrifty.
Realistic
Often use mechanical and athletic abilities,
and like to work outdoors and with tools
and machines.
(Auto mechanic, aircraft controller,
surveyor, electrician, farmer.)
Generally like to explore and
understand things or events, rather than
persuade others or sell them things.
Described as analytical, cautious,
complex, critical, curious, independent,
intellectual, introverted, methodical,
modest, pessimistic, precise, rational,
and reserved.
Investigative
Often use math and science abilities, and
like to work alone and to solve problems.
(Biologist, chemist, physicist, geologist,
anthropologist, laboratory assistant, medical
technician.)

Generally like to work with creative
ideas and self-expression more than
routines and rules. Described as
complicated, disorderly, emotional,
expressive, idealistic, imaginative,
impractical, impulsive, open,
independent, introspective, original,
intuitive, and nonconforming.
Artistic
Usually have artistic skills, enjoys creating
original work, and has a good imagination.
(Composer, musician, stage director,
dancer, interior decorator, actor, writer.)
Generally like to help, teach, and
counsel people more than engage in
mechanical or technical activity.
Described as convincing, cooperative,
friendly, generous, helpful, idealistic,
kind, patient, responsible, social,
sympathetic, tactful, understanding,
and warm.
Social
Usually like to be around other people, are
interested in how people get along, and likes
to help other people with their problems.
(Teacher, speech therapist, religious worker,
counselor, clinical psychologist, nurse.)
Generally like to persuade or direct
others more than work on scientific or
complicated topics. Described as
acquisitive, adventurous, agreeable,
ambitious, attention-getting,
domineering, energetic, extroverted,
impulsive, optimistic, pleasure-
seeking, popular, self-confident, and
sociable.
Enterprising
Usually have leadership and public
speaking abilities, are interested in money
and politics, and like to influence people.
(Buyer, sports promoter, television
producer, business executive, salesperson,
travel agent, supervisor, manager.)
Generally like to follow orderly
routines and meet clear standards,
avoiding work that does not have clear
directions. Described as conforming,
conscientious, careful, efficient,
inhibited, obedient, orderly, persistent,
practical, thrifty, and unimaginative.
Conventional
Often use clerical and math abilities, like to
work indoors and to organize things.
(Bookkeeper, financial analyst, banker, tax
expert, secretary, radio dispatcher)



Reardon, R. (2007). The self-directed search interpretive report. PAR, Inc.
http://www.self-directed-search.com/sdsreprt.html