Abstract

contribution by Lucy Marris 2003

The findings of this small scale research project identified that the Careers Advisers interviewed were using email with current students, to provide information, advice and guidance on career related issues. The interviewees reported that they felt email was a challenging medium for the delivery of career guidance, and better suited to information provision.  Email was perceived as having particular limitations, including lack of non visual communication and dialogue.  However, email was recognised as offering some advantages particularly in providing access ‘at a distance’ to clients who might otherwise be prevented from using services.  Typically advisers responded to email enquiries with a one off communication.  There was evidence that practitioners were evolving particular techniques to try to maximise the usefulness of such exchanges.

There was evidence of frustration with the use of email for guidance, reflected in comments that suggested responding to email was not an appropriate use of careers advisers’ professional skills, and further might reasonably even be delegated to other staff.  The most significant finding of this research is the suggestion that current use of email with students, seems to be a retrograde step in terms of career guidance practice, in that there is what might be viewed as an over-reliance on information provision, or context free advice giving, rather than facilitation of guidance.

Overall, the findings cast doubt on the usefulness of email for guidance as currently utilised.  However, the evidence suggests that email is an emerging technology, and the literature review supports the possibility of a more reflective and effective practice.  By returning to the theoretical origins of practice, and learning from innovation in the use of email within therapeutic counselling settings, the real potential of email to deliver effective career guidance may yet be realised.

Careers advisers' attitudes to providing email within HE

Preview Info - A Case of the Triumph of Form over Substance Managing E-guidance in HE LM 2003.pdf - 255.79 Kb

A Case of the Triumph of Form over Substance? In what ways do Careers Advisers in Higher Education Careers Services, view their use of Email communication with students as part of a career education and guidance process? An illustrative study based on semi-structured interviews with careers advisers, who currently use Email as part of their guidance practice, in HE. Lucy Marris Dissertation submitted in part fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts (Education) Career Education, Development and Guidance, of the University of Kent at Canterbury.