Career Theory and Practice: Learning Through Case Studies

by Jane L. Swanson

Designed to help readers apply career development theories to their work with career counseling clients, Career Theory and Learning Through Case Studies links major career development and choice theories to a fictional case client. Authors Jane L. Swanson and Nadya A. Fouad use this case study approach throughout the book to provide an integrative thread that illustrates similarities and differences between the featured theories. The Third Edition has been updated and substantially expanded to be a primary text for a graduate course in Career Development and Counseling.

“Jane L. Swanson and Nadya A. Fouad do a masterful job of bringing theory to life through the lived stories of actual career clients. I very much appreciated the book’s format, the examples, the discussion questions, and the richly developed case examples.” — Mary J. Heppner , University of Missouri, Columbia , commenting on the First Edition

“The case study method is very effective . Students can see firsthand how the theories are interpreted and applied. Often they get a better understanding of their own lives and career history.” — Anne Zachmeyer , Rochester Institute of Technology

“ Theory discussion is complete and usable for students ; the quality of the text is strong .” — Meredith J. Drew , Centenary College

Genres: Psychology, Counselling, Nonfiction, School, Grad School

408 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 1999

Reviews

[Deborah Davidson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Using this as one of two texts for a graduate level career counseling class. The case studies are very useful in giving the students examples of how to apply counseling theory to individuals. However, the format was a little clunky for me and I had to really go through it thoroughly a couple times to finds its usefulness.

[Asa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not much of a review to share here, but as I read this book in its entirety (along with my career counseling class) it seems appropriate to at least share my thoughts.

This book is well-written, well-researched, and approachable. It provides exploration into a selection number of theories related to vocation, discusses assessment and research, and the overarching goals and priorities of career counselors. There is also great effort put into presenting a vast array of clinical cases that showcases the diverse clientele, presenting problems, and career interests of people (at least within the United States). I also appreciate its exploration into non-work issues and how that balancing act can be very difficult to tread. All in all, a good textbook and one I would recommend for people wanting to learn about career counseling.

[Alejandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this for a class I was taking. It was an interesting read. I like the cases but sometimes there were too much explanation and too many cases to follow along with. I liked that the chapters were broken up in a way that made it easier to read

[Naomi]

Required for my program in mental health counseling. Really interesting to see so many theories on career development, but man I wish the writing was a little less confusing! I can't pinpoint what I didn't love about the style. Either way, I did it!!

[Degan Walters · Rating 4 out of 5]

Required reading for my career counselling class but will be a good resource. I liked the case studies.

[D.l. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some sections were difficult to read due to the layout. Otherwise it is a good textbook for a class.

[Candy Sparks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good enough.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a textbook this was an easy read. It was comprehensible (no unnecessary large words), provided real life and understandable examples, well organized, and was written in a clear and concise manner. If you are interested in career counseling, studying psychology, or currently a career counselor I would recommend this book.