TRAINING IN CAREER DECISION-MAKING - EXPERIENCES IN DESIGN AND EVALUATION

A decision training for career choice is presented. The methods used follow the tradition of psychological decision theory. The idea of decomposition is applied; the decision process is subdivided into different stages: (1) clarification of values and goals, (2) search for information, (3) generation of alternatives, (4) evaluation of alternatives by means of their consequences, (5) choice and (6) realisation of choice. Modules are developed for each of these stages. Groups of high-school attendants looking forward to their job choices in the next one or two years served as subjects for the evaluation of the decision training. Results show that the main goals of the program were accomplished and that the subjects accepted the training as a helpful means for their career decisions. The training deals specifically with career choice. However, a further effect of this program reveals in shaping general decision making skills usable in other domains of life.