From the University to the professional world: users' evaluation of a consulting service for orientation at work

Abstract

The present contribution aims to present the results from a consulting service for orientation at work envisaged by the Co.S.I.P. (Consulting and Integrated Services for Placement), at the University of Bari. Its goal is to investigate the effects of the intervention starting from the perception of change by the service user in relation to three areas of study: knowledge of themselves, knowledge of appropriate tools, and knowledge of the territory (Fraccaroli,Rossi, 1999). The sample consists of 20 subjects, undergraduates and graduates with an average age of 26.5 years. The study was conducted using a quantitative/qualitative methodology, using a semi-structured interview and a questionnaire to assess how many of and how well the goals of service users were achieved in the different areas. Participation in the activities provided by this service was considered an important moment for personal reflection. In addition, the need to define the service users own professional identity was accompanied by the need to draw up an individualized career path and, therefore, ad hoc in relation to skills and interests in different professional areas.