Developmental-Contextual Career Planning for a Diverse Client

Introduction: Career Development Theory and Client Context

Career planning is one of the most challenging aspects of human development and success. Within the context of career development there are many prominent theories, yet the theory that best applies to the following client is the developmental-contextual model forwarded by a distinguished group of career development researchers and instructors. The concepts of this career development theory incorporate the ideas of the developmental-contextual model of human development, associating the future success of the individual with both their own personal adolescent development and with the environment — the context — in which they live, are educated, and eventually develop career goals. It is, in essence, a marriage of the nature-nurture ideas of human developmental theory.

As Vondracek (1990, p. 38) notes, "the developmental-contextual approach to career development described here is heavily indebted to the thinking of Richard Lerner regarding developmental contextualism in general (e.g., Lerner, 1978, 1986, in press). Most importantly, in explaining the nature of the relationship between individual and context…"

Within the body of this theory lies an appropriate framework for developing a treatment plan for this particular client. In addition to the developmental-contextual theory, there are also at least two issues within the client's biography that will require special attention: gender-specific career development and domestic violence recovery as a dimension of her special needs (Whiston & Bouwkam, 2003, pp. 59–75; Chronister, Wettersten & Brown, 2004, pp. 900–922).

In "Ethical Implications of Career Assessment With Women," Whiston and Bouwkam (2003, pp. 59–75) outline the special needs of women in career assessment, taking into consideration the realistic conflicts women often face in career development — such as their role as mothers, the time restrictions this may impose, and the need to assess the individual's support system. In "Vocational Research for the Liberation of Battered Women," Chronister, Wettersten, and Brown demonstrate the importance of addressing emotional and social development in the career development of women who have experienced partner battering. This client will have special concerns arising from her position as a mother, her estrangement from a family support system, and her history in an abusive relationship.

Client Profile and Special Considerations

The following profile summarizes the key biographical details of the client under consideration:

Several of these biographical details carry particular clinical and vocational significance. The client's history of domestic violence, her limited family support network, her role as a single mother to two children of widely different ages, and her immigration background all interact to create a complex set of needs that must be addressed in any comprehensive career development plan. The research of Whiston and Bouwkam (2003) is directly applicable to her situation, particularly their findings regarding the impact of family and partner support — or the lack thereof — on women's career trajectories.

The developmental-contextual model of career development incorporates many historical aspects that are directly relevant to this client's concerns. Special consideration is given to immigration, as the primary developer of these concepts, Fred Vondracek, has a personal understanding of immigration and language development as they relate to career change. Vondracek is himself a first-generation immigrant who chose a professional path very different from the one envisioned by his parents and his culture of origin. This client shares many of the same concerns. As Vondracek (1990, p. 37) writes:

Developmental-Contextual Theory Applied to the Client

"Regarding my own career development experiences, it should suffice to note that I was destined to become a tile setter and stone mason according to a decision made by my father when I was only 10 years old. My formal schooling was terminated after I finished the eighth grade, and subsequently I became an apprentice tile setter. Three years later I obtained my journeyman's license and continued to practice my trade for another two years. Unconvinced that my father's decision about my occupational future had been correct, I left not only the occupation he had chosen for me but also the country so that I could pursue educational and career opportunities that were more to my liking."

Vondracek notes that his own challenges in career development were an outgrowth of his personal development through change and immigration — a product of his own adolescent development. This client faces many of the same issues. One that cannot be excluded from consideration is the significant disruption in her behavioral and personal development: she became a mother at age 14 in her home country, presumably in a psychologically unhealthy union. Understanding adolescent development and its long-term effects on career identity is therefore central to working with this client.

At this stage, however, the client also demonstrates great potential and has a strong foundation from which to build a career plan. Her bachelor's degree in education, her bilingualism, and her aspiration to enter a helping profession are all significant assets that speak to her resilience and determination.

The initial development plan will include research into the educational requirements for the client's desired career in psychology or psychiatry. With her undergraduate degree in hand, additional educational opportunities will be identified that match this goal, are available in her region, and are within her financial means. Many graduate programs accommodate working professionals, allowing students to remain employed in their current field while pursuing advanced degrees.

Conclusion and Recommended Next Steps

The client presents a compelling profile of resilience and potential. Her bilingual skills, existing degree, and community engagement position her well for graduate-level advancement in a helping profession. The developmental-contextual model provides an appropriate and sensitive theoretical lens through which to understand her career trajectory, acknowledging that her personal history — including immigration, early parenthood, domestic violence, and limited family support — is inseparable from her career development needs.