Career Helplines: A Resource for Career Development

Abstract

In response to current global realities and the limitations of traditional career guidance to address labor market changes, inclusive social policies, and cultural diversity, new career guidance paradigms are needed in so-called developing and developed countries. Rapid technological changes over the last 10 years make the policy goal of career services for all more feasible by enabling affordable services to be accessed at a distance, through telephone, cell phone, and Internet channels. National multichannel career development helplines are a particularly strong example and are reviewed in this chapter. This new delivery mechanism has profound implications for inclusive career services that reflect a paradigmatic shift in career guidance policy and provision.