The Case of Howard

Case study Week 10
The Case of Howard
Introduction
Howard just began his senior year and knows that he needs to start thinking seriously about his college applications. To date, he has completed some of the higher level courses offered at his high school, including several AP courses and feels fine about his SAT and ACT scores. His GPA is 3.5. He has been busy with sports throughout high school but isn�t good enough to apply for an athletic scholarship. Up until now he just hasn�t thought much about college. It has been just a vague idea – what was going to happen in his future. That �future� is here and he hasn�t done much about it. His parents did not go to college so he doesn�t really know what is involved with applying, although he has been hearing a lot about it from his friends. He just doesn�t know where to begin. A few people told him to begin with the courses he enjoyed in high school. He has taken several courses that he has loved (literature and public speaking) but he has a feeling it was because the teachers were engaging, not the materials. He has a few months to think about what he wants to do and where to apply. He comes to you for help.
One more note about Howard� since he was a young boy he has worked in his parent�s luggage and leather goods store. He is physically strong so he began in the shipping and receiving department but also has served as the replacement person when employees took vacations in the bookkeeping and the marketing departments. He understands the requirements of those jobs quite well but can�t picture himself doing any of those jobs for more than a few weeks at a time.
Question Set #1:
Now that you have read a brief bio of Howard, how would you work with him? Where would you begin? What would your goals be? Summarize the important issues. Is there a theory that would provide direction? If so, describe the theory and why you think it will be useful during your work with Howard. If not, what will you use as your �road map�?
Second Meeting with Howard
In Howard�s Psychology class he completed a structured interview similar to the one that we did in class. He brings his themes to you because he didn�t have an opportunity to talk about them yet. They are:
� Very principled and only wants to work in an occupation where he can make an honest contribution after a hard day�s work; money is not a motivator for him
� Sense of humor
� Importance of building relationships with friends, family and co-workers � a team player
� Doesn�t enjoy situations with a lot of controversy, dissent, and stress
� Appreciates the plight of the average guy
Other results of assessment instruments include: Howard completed the WIL and his two highest work values are: achievement and recognition. His Holland code is SAI.
Question Set #2:
Given these results and what you already know about Howard, where will you go from here?