Exploring Other Career Development Theories in addition to Holland's Theory of Career Choice

Understanding and using John Holland's Theory of Career Choice is a highly recommended part of one's career planning. It is the most popular and researched career theory used by professional career counselors - and The Career Key test is a scientifically valid measure of Holland's 6 personality types to help you match your personality with occupations and educational programs.

But there is more than one road to your destination.  You should explore other theories and approaches in addition to Holland's Theory. In fact, you would be making a mistake to rely on just one theory or one scientifically valid assessment in your career planning. Theories and resources recommended below involve prominent, well-respected academics in the field of career guidance and counseling.

For professional help in applying Holland's Theory or any of these career approaches, seek out a professional career counselor or Global Career Development Facilitator (GCDF) established by the National Career Development Association and certified by the Center for Credentialing and Education.

I personally recommend these additional ways of looking at careers and related scientifically valid assessments (if any) or informal self-exploration activities (in alphabetical order):

• Developmental Theory using Dr. Donald Super's Life-Career Rainbow worksheet (PDF, from the University of Oregon Career Information Service)
• Integrated Life Planning by Dr. Sunny Hansen; her holistic approach is described at her website and she also wrote a book called, Integrative Life Planning: Critical Tasks for Career Development and Changing Life Patterns
• Learning Theory and Planned Happenstance by Dr. John Krumboltz, ask a GCDF or professional career counselor for his Career Beliefs Inventory self-assessment, but you can find a detailed description on page 13 of this UK career guidance newsletter PDF.
• Transitions Through Life, by Dr. Nancy K. Schlossberg.  Her website and transition tips are relevant to other transitions in addition to career transitions.

You can then return to The Career Key's "High Quality Decisions" article to put this information together with your Career Key test results in a proven process to making a high-quality career or education decision.

As we pointed out in our article "Learn More About Yourself", you need to know as much as you can about your "unique qualities" to choose a career path that will fit you best. Doing the activities on The Career Key website and looking into the resources above will help do just that - and help you make a career decision you won't regret.