During vocational and career counseling for adults, the counselors first work with the person seeking advice to determine their individual needs and clarify their goals. They carry out an assessment of their current situation, find out about their interests and abilities and their current life situation. In one or more sessions, the vocational, study and career counselors try to find a suitable career path together with the client and provide professional support in the decision-making process. They also help them to research information, inform them about possible training and continuing education, further training, the current situation on the job market and their opportunities. In contrast to careers advice for adults, parents are also involved in discussions with young people. In addition, advisors in career information centers, on the phone and at information events are competent contact persons for those seeking advice, who always try to work out an individually suitable solution together with the client.

The following effects can be achieved with career counseling for adults:

• Improved well-being with regard to professional activity
• Informed about your own professional situation
• Confidence in your own development prospects and career opportunities
• Clarity about your own professional future and the right path to get there
• Certainty about choosing the right course of action
• Step out of the comfort zone and implement a targeted professional solution

Vocational and career guidance in Switzerland usually takes place in special guidance centers, for example at a regional employment center, the RAV, or at IV offices. Careers advisors are also employed by companies or work on a self-employed basis, and careers advisors work at schools. They are also employed by private counseling centers.

Vocational and career guidance is aimed at people who are looking for suitable training or continuing education, further training and are looking for advice and support in order to receive concrete tips and assistance.

Careers advice is primarily aimed at young people who are in the process of choosing a career and are still undecided as to which direction they should take. However, such advice is also suitable for adults who do not have a vocational or school qualification.

Career counseling, on the other hand, is aimed at professionals who want to develop and/or realign their career. There are many reasons for this: interest in continuing education, further training, professional specialization through further training or complete professional reorientation.