Expectations of Career Counseling

 How Expectations Shape Career Counseling Satisfaction

Ever wonder why some people rave about career counseling while others feel let down? A study by Chiesa et al. (2020) found that client expectations play a huge role in determining satisfaction.

The Study: What They Found

Researchers followed 83 career counseling clients in Italy, exploring how their expectations influenced their experience. They found:

  1. Your Expectations Set the Tone

    • If you start with positive expectations, you’re more likely to feel satisfied.

    • Meeting or exceeding expectations boosts overall satisfaction.

  2. Perceived Performance Matters

    • How you judge the sessions affects whether your expectations feel met.

    • If you think the process is going well, you’re more likely to be happy with the outcome.

  3. Counselors’ Expectations Don’t Change Much

    • Unlike what some thought, the counselor’s expectations didn’t really impact client satisfaction.

    • This suggests clients’ perspectives drive the experience more than the counselor’s.

Takeaways for Career Counselors

  • Set clear expectations from the start to avoid misunderstandings.

  • Help clients define realistic goals so they don’t feel disappointed.

  • Talk openly about what clients want and adjust strategies if needed.

Final Thought

Career counseling isn’t just about the process—it’s about perception. Managing expectations can make all the difference.

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