Hey there! And Happy Friday to you! I mentioned in a previous post (and I know you’re a faithful follower of every single word I’ve written so far…) I was going to use this platform to discuss information on some of the topics and services that you may engage with while you’re going through Vocational Rehab. This week I’ll be discussing the aptly named “Discovery” process.

Aptly named, because that’s just what it is; discovery. Figuring out what makes you tick, where your strengths lie, and what types of industries and jobs you might want to explore as an option for your new career.  When done properly, this is a great tool for not only your future Job Developer or Job Coach (other aspects of VR that I will discuss in the future) to get to know you, but also a wonderful way to get to know yourself a little bit better. It is not a formal assessment process, although it there are definite benchmarks to be hit, nor is it a meeting with a second rate guidance counselor who’s going to meet with you twice in their office and send you off with the knowledge people with temperaments similar to yours occasionally excel at driving a fork lift. No, Discovery is person-centered set of strategies that explores an individual’s ideals, interests, passions, and goals, as well as input from others on your “Discovery Team”, to determine the types of career paths you may want to explore through hands on and/or interview style experiences. This team can be as big or small as you’d like, and should generally be made up of those who know you best; family, friends, clergy, whomever you decide to be a member. The team, generally a part of the initial meetings and/or phone interview by your Discovery Agent, is there to provide additional input on the things you may be amazing at, but had never crossed your mind to try. They may also occasionally be called upon throughout the experience for additional input or to use as a job resource, if they happen to be in an industry that can be helpful (exploited) in aiding your research and exploration. Mostly though, everyone is there for one reason and one reason only; to make you successful!

Everybody got that? Clear as mud, right? Hopefully it was a bit more helpful that that, but please feel free to contact me if you have any questions about Discovery or any other Vocational Rehab program! We’re here to help!

Have a great weekend!

Best,

Garon