Everyone has probably heard the hype about ChatGPT, the online AI writing software. I asked it to write 600 words on ‘Career guidance policy in England’. Below you will find what it came up with. You will have to judge for yourself whether you think that it is a good piece and more importantly as to whether you think that it renders me obsolete.
My take is that it is a good piece of writing on the topic, which is on topic, well structured and which comes up with a few of the key points. However, it is lacking in nuance and understanding of context and doesn’t contain any new ideas. I won’t say that I’m not scared, but for the moment I still think that I have the edge on it. But am I just kidding myself? Give your opinions in the chat below.
Career guidance plays a crucial role in helping young people make informed decisions about their future. With the ever-changing job market and a wealth of career options available, it’s more important than ever for students in England to receive comprehensive and effective career guidance. However, the current career guidance policy in England has come under criticism for being insufficient and inadequate. In this article, we will discuss what the career guidance policy in England should be to meet the needs of young people in the 21st century.
First, the career guidance policy in England should focus on individualized support. Young people have unique needs, interests, and aspirations, and a one-size-fits-all approach to career guidance simply won’t work. Students should have access to tailored support from a dedicated career advisor who can help them explore their options, set goals, and develop a plan for their future. This should include access to online resources, such as career assessments and interactive tools, as well as face-to-face counseling sessions.
Second, the policy should emphasize the importance of exposing students to a wide range of career options. Many students lack exposure to the vast array of career options available to them, which can limit their understanding of the job market and their potential future paths. The career guidance policy should include initiatives to increase students’ exposure to diverse career paths, such as job fairs, guest speaker events, and work-based learning experiences. This can help students make informed decisions about their future and broaden their horizons.
Third, the policy should prioritize the development of soft skills and employability. Soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, are in high demand among employers, but are often overlooked in traditional education systems. The career guidance policy should include programs and resources to help students develop these skills and prepare for the job market. This could include workshops, mentorship programs, and opportunities for students to practice their skills in real-world situations.
Fourth, the policy should address the impact of technology on the job market. The rise of automation and artificial intelligence has already had a significant impact on the job market and this trend is expected to continue. The career guidance policy should include initiatives to help students understand the changing job market and how technology is shaping the future of work. This could include resources on the impact of technology on specific industries, as well as programs to help students develop the digital skills they need to succeed in the 21st-century job market.
Finally, the policy should prioritize the involvement of employers. Employers have a wealth of experience and insights into the job market, and their involvement in career guidance can provide valuable perspective for students. The policy should include initiatives to bring employers and students together, such as work-based learning experiences, apprenticeships, and mentorship programs. This can help students gain a deeper understanding of the job market and develop meaningful connections with potential employers.
In conclusion, the career guidance policy in England has a crucial role to play in helping young people make informed decisions about their future. To meet the needs of students in the 21st century, the policy should focus on individualized support, expose students to a wide range of career options, prioritize the development of soft skills and employability, address the impact of technology on the job market, and prioritize the involvement of employers. With the right support and resources, young people in England can be equipped to succeed in the ever-changing job market and reach their full potential.
Adventures in Career Development 
“ChatGPT, tell me about Professor Tristram Hooley?”
Professor Tristram Hooley is a well-known researcher, consultant, and author in the field of career development and guidance. He is currently based in the United Kingdom and serves as a Professor of Career Education and Development at the University of Derby. He has also held various academic positions at other universities, including the University of Sheffield and the University of Southampton.
Hooley is a prominent figure in the UK careers guidance and development community, and his research and writings cover a wide range of topics in the field, including career guidance in schools, the role of technology in career development, and the effectiveness of career interventions. He is widely regarded as an expert in the field and has been featured in various media outlets, including the BBC and The Guardian, to discuss careers and employment issues.
Overall, Professor Tristram Hooley is a highly respected figure in the UK careers guidance and development community and his research and writings have made a significant impact on the field.
Don’t trust anything you make up on the internet
It wasn’t me, it was the robot, guv.
But 2 interesting points. ChatGPT immediately answered my question about you with some details as reproduced above.
When I’d tried the same thing on myself, it didn’t know who I was until I asked it a couple of labour market questions, at which point it was able to tell me about ‘Charlie Ball’. I have an ‘entertaining and engaging writing style’, apparently, so that is plainly lies. But it’s clearly looking deeper into subjects after a conversation, which interests me, and I will continue tinkering with it to see if it is able to engage more deeply with a topic.
What was a bit weird though is that whilst it knew most of my biography, it invented 2 whole academic posts I’d never had. I’m not sure if it’s done the same for you, but it wouldn’t surprise me.
Would agree, you also have a market force in Careers guidance policy.
It makes services fragmented with outcomes and destinations being the aim.
National Careers service is an example of a service being delivered based on payment of outcomes.
Then WEX is outsourced with business being contacted by pupils, schools, and various other companies. A single point of contact approach is required to get business support.
Being on a database being sold to a school has caused all sorts of problems.
There needs change..
I mean, it’s a bit formulaic, but 😬😳😱🤯
Both articles save reinventing the wheel, contain pertinent facts and information, succinct and to the point. Apart from American spelling of counsellor and program which some might not like, would be useful for politicians and DfE to use as a guide to implementing strategies to provide such an effective programme of Careers of sufficient resources and support, as suggested.
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This article is the flattest and most unenthusiastic article Tristram Hooley has ever written. I wonder if he even wrote it. Maybe he used that Chat GBT that seems to be the newest party game at conferences like #Cannexus23. I think that I will write him a message to see how I can support him in getting his grove back. 😉
That ChatGPT article would make a useful framework which someone ‘real’ could flesh out … as long as you define career guidance as an activity wholly and solely focused on education to workforce transition. I’m feeling a bit overlooked!
[…] a very 2023 post, back in February I was playing around with ChatGPT. I got it to write a guest post on the state of career guidance in England. The result was very mediocre, but seems to have been […]