HDEV 2308: Career Development Theory and Practice

Course Description

This course is a study of the history of theories and practice in career development. Topics include: leaders in vocational education, legislative initiatives, social issues and organizations involved in and impacting career development. The course also includes: study and application of career development and theories from a lifespan perspective; examination of established and emerging labor markets, economic and social forces likely to impact career development and choice; and traditional and emerging career development theories, models and strategies. Using these models and strategies, this course develops students’ abilities to work constructively to build individualized career plans.  The format includes lecture, discussion, demonstration, and experiential components.

Instructor Biographies

Darin Ford, Director of the Hegi Family Career Development Center, joined the career center staff in 2008. He holds a Master of Arts degree in Professional Counseling and is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPC-S) in the state of Texas. Darin manages the day-to-day operations of the center, serves as a career liaison for Dedman College, counsels the 3rd and 4th year students by providing individual career counseling services, and offers workshops on a variety of career-related topics. Before joining SMU, Darin held student affairs positions with the University of Texas at Austin, TCU, and the DCCCD. He has previously taught both undergraduate and graduate students on topics such as counseling techniques, psychodramatic methods and career development. Darin also enjoys presenting at local, state, and national conferences on a variety of career and counseling interests.

Regina James-Dorsey serves as the Assistant Director of Career Services. She holds a BBA from SMU and a MS in Organizations and Strategy from the University of Texas at Dallas. Regina has worked in higher education for over 8 years with 5 years in Career Services. Her background includes advising prospective students, current students and alumni on developing successful job search and graduate school strategies. Additionally, she works in the area of employer outreach partnering with employers seeking candidates for full-time and part-time opportunities. Regina has presented at Southern Association of Colleges and Employers, and the Texas Counseling Association and has been published in the Education Career Services Marketing Guide. She enjoys preparing student centered programs and services that assist students with making themselves relevant in today’s job market. 

Learning Outcomes and Benefits

Students will:

• Have an understanding of career development theories/models and how those affect individual career decision making
• Be able to apply these theories to their career choice
• Become more competent in 21st Century career search strategies and applies those skills to today’s competitive job market
• Be able to identify external and social conditions that impact career development
• Be able to understand how their personal brand (an on-line activity) shapes their future employment prospects