Patricia has almost 30 years of experience helping individuals pursue, advance and change careers. As well as a Masters degree in counseling from Catholic University, Patricia has completed numerous post-graduate classes in counseling and career development at Johns Hopkins University.

Patricia previously worked as the Career Development Manager for the Montgomery County Government and as a career counselor for the Montgomery County Commission for Women.

She continues to be a featured speaker with recent presentations topics that include: Secrets to Predicting Career Success That Only You Know, Get Out of Your Own Way To Get What You Want in Your Career and Enhancing Your Promotability at Work.

- Gain a clear understanding
   of your core strengths
- Make a career change
- Do a thorough career
   exploration
- Execute an effective
   job hunt
- Examine educational
   opportunities
- Improve your current
   work situation
- Advance within your
   organization

Studies show that the average person spends more time working than anything else except sleeping. In our society, work is a major source of status, identity and gratification whether you are employed inside or outside of the home, volunteering, studying or searching for a change. Career counseling addresses the role of work in our lives and helps individuals to deal with challenges they face in their careers.¹

The following six scenarios will be addressed one at a time in the next 6 newsletters that you will receive. They encompass people of different ages and at varying stages in their career development. Often social, economic, emotional and familial issues accompany career transitions. And these can be successfully addressed through a holistic, career counseling process.

Scenario 1: I don't know what I want to do. Typically, people who say this feel they are at a loss to determine a next step. Whether you are a recent college grad, returning to the workforce, an experienced professional, or a seasoned manager, career counseling can assist you to become more self aware and integrate this new information into a successful career exploration.

Scenario 2: I'm unhappy in my job but I don't know whether it's the job, the career or the employer.Being in the middle of an overwhelming situation, it is difficult to step back and get perspective. Career counseling can help to successfully identify the components of your dilemma and implement a solution.

Scenario 3: I hate my job and want to make a career change. I have some ideas about what I might like to do but I am unsure about how to get started. Transitioning between careers is seldom easy. Career counseling can address strategies and techniques to help you move forward.

Scenario 4: I think I may need additional education to move to the next stage of my career but I am uncertain. Continuing education is a necessity in everyone's work life in our society. Education is one of the keys to advancement and upward mobility. Career counseling can help to address the most relevant, effective and quickest way to get hands-on skills and knowledge to move forward or enter a field.

Scenario 5: Through the years I have watched my colleagues get promoted but I have not been able to advance.It's often difficult for people to distinguish themselves from their colleagues and build a positive, professional image. Career counseling can help by identifying proactive steps to take to enhance your worth at work.

Scenario 6: Recently, my organization experienced a merger and reorganization. I simply do not know how to adjust and insure that I maintain employment.It is normal to feel afraid and overwhelmed in the midst of a major change and a new organizational structure. Career counseling can help with living with uncertainty, possible downsizing, cost cutting and a new work culture.

¹ Seligman, Linda. Developmental Career Counseling and Assessment. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, 1994: p.26.