Challenging Stereotypes in Career Counselling: Enabling a Gifted, Artistic Learner to Pursue Purposeful, Sustainable Careers

Abstract

The research reported in this article examined how integrative career counselling could assist a gifted, artistic learner in identifying purposeful, sustainable career-choice options. A 14-year-old gifted, artistic girl learner seeking career counselling to help her decide whether to follow her ‘natural artistic inclinations’ or enroll for a more ‘stable’ field of study and career was purposively selected to participate in the study. I employed a single-case, qualitative case study with ad-hoc follow-up embedded in a mixed-methods (QUALITATIVE + quantitative) design. Two assessment instruments (a traditional test and a storied questionnaire) were used to generate data. I used career-life portraiture methodology (Savickas) to analyse the elicited data and help the participant narrate her macro-narrative. The intervention helped her reflect on her situation, thus facilitating reflexivity. Longitudinal research, using an array of instruments in individual and group contexts, is needed to examine the medium- and longer-term influence of the intervention discussed in this article.