Chapter 5

            In reading Chapter 5, we learn about Krumboltz and his Theory of Happenstance and Decision Making. Within this theory, Krumboltz identifies four factors that he believes influence individual development and the career decision-making process and choice. These factors include: genetic endowment and special abilities, environmental conditions and events, learning experiences, and task approach skills (Brown, 2016, p. 89). I found the genetic endowment and special abilities factor especially interesting. Although it makes sense to take it that into consideration, I had never thought about it before. Brown gives the example of physical abilities such as hand-eye coordination and musical or artistic ability. If someone is lacking in either of those areas, he or she most likely will not choose to pursue a career in those fields. Someone who does not know how to play a musical instrument will not choose a career as a music teacher.

            In the restatement of the Happenstance Learning Theory (HLT), Krumboltz discards the idea that the goal of career counseling should be to choose a career based on personal traits, but rather to facilitate the achievement of self-knowledge (Brown, 2016, p. 90). This contradicts some of the other learning theories we have already learned about, but I tend to agree with Krumboltz. People spend years learning from others, but ultimately, it comes down to what they know themselves. Taking the opportunity to discover different careers and what they entail and expanding your own knowledge is incredibly important. According to Krumboltz, “individuals who do not learn to take advantage of the learning opportunities that are presented to them on an ongoing basis are likely to make poor decisions” (Brown, 2016, p. 90).

In my own life, I did not take advantage of all of the learning opportunities that I had the chance to. I went into college undecided, declared my major at the end of my first year, but did not decide what exactly it was that I wanted to do until after I graduated. I had to take the time to do the research on my own and figure out what it was that I wanted to do. Not everyone will do that, though. Some people may not want to do any research and may go into a career blind. This could be a “poor decision” that Krumboltz was referring to. Going into a career without any prior consideration could result in turnover or burnout.

Brown, D. (2016). Career information, career counseling, and career development (11^th ed.). New York: Pearson Education, Inc. ISBN 978-0-13-391777-2.