In this week's episode, Tom Vander Ark is talking with Dr. David Blustein, a Professor of Counseling Psychology at Boston College. Dr. Blustein's 2006 book, The Psychology of Working, made him a leader in the emerging field of vocational psychology. His newest book, The Importance of Work in an Age of Uncertainty, discusses the eroding work experience in America and how to prepare young people to thrive in a complex world.

Also joining Dr. Blustein and Tom in this episode is Ed Hidalgo from the Cajon Valley Union School District — a leading example of early immersive career education — where he serves as the Chief Innovation and Engagement Officer.

Tom, Ed, and Dr. Blustein dive into the topic of working in America, early career education, vocational psychology in the classroom, and how work has drastically shifted since the Industrial Age. Dr. Blustein highlights key learnings from both of his books, gives his thoughts on the current nature of work, and gives his thoughts on when we should begin educating children about the world of work.

This episode is the first in a two-part series on starting career education early! So be sure to tune in next week too, to catch the rest of the conversation!

Key Takeaways:

[:10] About today's episode and special guests.

[1:05] Tom welcomes Dr. David Blustein and Ed Hidalgo to the podcast.

[1:38] David speaks about his background and why he decided to study psychology.

[3:05] David shares what spurred his interest in counseling.

[4:39] What drew David to studying the psychology of working.

[6:20] Has David read Studs Terkel's work? And would he consider him one of the first vocational psychologists?

[6:55] Has Ed read any of Studs Terkel's work?

[7:02] When did Ed first run into David's work?

[7:16] David shares a bit about his first book, The Psychology of Working, and what the goal of it was.

[7:47] Ed speaks about how The Psychology of Working aided his own work at Cajon Valley.

[8:26] Was the Industrial Revolution and the conception of the modern corporation the major shift in work?

[10:08] David speaks about how work has changed in the last 40 years in the Information Age.

[11:44] Is this recent shift from long-term employment to freelancing a good or bad thing?

[14:15] Why does David think the nature of work is eroding in America?

[15:48] Is it realistic in this age to think that most people could be engaged in work that they care about?

[17:20] About Getting Smart's upcoming book, The Power of Place.

[18:25] The paradox of the current nature of work.

[19:46] How and when should we introduce young people to the world of work?

[22:26] How Cajon Valley is bringing vocational psychology into the classroom.

[23:54] David responds to the idea that it is too early to educate children as young as eight about work.

[25:49] Is there any danger in typecasting children early (based on these personality types developed by John Holland)?

[26:53] Is the idea that your capabilities as a human can grow with effort compatible with a growth mindset?

[28:10] Ed elaborates on Cajon Valley's framework and the typecasting/personality types they use.

[29:23] David elaborates on the last chapter which talks about helping more people work with dignity and opportunity.

[33:17] Tom thanks Dr. Blustein for joining the podcast.

[33:42] About next week's episode with Ed Hidalgo!

Mentioned in This Episode:

Dr . David L . Blustein

The Psychology of Working : A New Perspective for Career Development , Counseling , and Public Policy , by David L . Blustein

The Importance of Work in an Age of Uncertainty : The Eroding Work Experience in America, by David L . Blustein

Ed Hidalgo

Cajon Valley Union School District

LearnLaunch

American Student Assistance (ASA )

Studs Terkel

The Power of Place : Authentic Learning Through Place -Based Education, by Tom Vander Ark , Emily Liebtag , and Nate McClennen

The Other America : Poverty in the United States , by Michael Harrington

John Holland

For More on Career Education, Be Sure to Check Out:

Getting Smart Ep . 240: "Jean Eddy on Starting Early with Career Education "

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