Featuring insights from Dr. Diandra Prescod, Associate Professor of Counselor Education, University of Connecticut
National Career Development Month encourages educators, counselors, and workforce professionals to reflect on the kinds of conversations that shape a person’s future. As career pathways become more complex, the role of intentional communication becomes even more important. Motivational Interviewing, often referred to as MI, is increasingly recognized as a powerful approach for career advisors, educators, and anyone supporting individuals through career decisions.
Dr. Diandra Prescod, a leading scholar in counselor education, shared insights about how MI supports meaningful, human centered communication. Her perspective underscores the idea that effective career development requires not just tools, but thoughtful dialogue rooted in empathy and curiosity.
Career development professionals frequently meet individuals at important decision points. Students may be reviewing career assessments for the first time or trying to make sense of interest inventories. Adults may be considering career transitions or navigating new responsibilities. Even with effective planning tools like Kuder Navigator or Kuder Pathfinder, people often need help articulating what they want and why.
Motivational Interviewing supports this process by helping individuals explore their own motivations instead of being directed by someone else. Dr. Prescod emphasizes that MI encourages individuals to express their own reasons for change or exploration. As she noted,
“Many of us can communicate a lot better with each other. We are connecting with people every day, and there are healthier and more productive ways to do that.”
MI is especially valuable in career development because career decisions often involve personal and emotional layers. MI creates a safe space for individuals to express their hopes and hesitations.
Educators, advisors, and counselors often have limited time to form meaningful connections. A single session may be short, yet individuals may arrive with confusion, stress, or uncertainty about their goals. MI gives advisors tools to make these interactions more impactful.
By focusing on open dialogue and reflective listening, MI turns routine appointments into collaborative conversations. Dr. Prescod explained that using MI strategies creates space for individuals to feel understood and supported. As she shared,
“Motivational interviewing is a powerful tool in career development because we are interacting with individuals whose stories we don’t know. These types of skills help us not only to get to know the person we are working with, but also allow us to be more intentional in our work.”
For example, when a student must choose between two opportunities, an MI oriented question such as, “What feels important to you about these options” encourages reflection, rather than rushing to an answer.
Motivational Interviewing benefits more than counseling offices. In classrooms, teachers interact with students who vary widely in motivation and confidence. In the workplace, managers communicate with employees across different roles and expectations. MI supports these environments by fostering trust and collaborative dialogue.
When educators and supervisors use MI principles, communication becomes more respectful and productive. Students feel more engaged. Teams communicate more openly. Tension decreases because individuals feel heard rather than judged. Dr. Prescod highlights that MI creates opportunities to build understanding in settings where misunderstandings are common. As she stated,
“Motivational interviewing allows us to address some of the problems we see in our interpersonal skills and our day-to-day interactions.”
These skills align closely with the competencies emphasized during National Career Development Month, such as adaptability, communication, and self-awareness.
Career discussions often involve complex emotions or conflicting thoughts. Students may be overwhelmed by the range of career options. Adults may hesitate because they doubt their abilities or worry about balancing obligations. Advisors must help individuals work through these challenges in ways that support clarity and confidence.
Dr. Prescod explains that people are not unmotivated but often lack space or guidance to articulate what they hope to achieve. Motivation becomes clearer when individuals feel safe enough to express uncertainty.
MI allows advisors to slow the conversation just enough to uncover what someone values most. When individuals feel heard, their decision making becomes clearer and more intentional.
One of MI’s core principles is viewing individuals as whole people shaped by their experiences, culture, responsibilities, and identities. Career choices are influenced by more than assessment results or job market trends. They are connected to a person’s lived reality.
A student may hesitate about a certain path because of financial concerns. An adult learner may worry about returning to school while supporting a family. A young person exploring options may fear choosing incorrectly. MI helps practitioners uncover these deeper factors with compassion. Dr. Prescod reflects on this approach, explaining,
“We are unique. We are all on unique journeys. Although we have our similarities, we also have differences. It is important to learn about the things going on around an individual because those systems shape how we view ourselves and how we view other people.”
By pairing this perspective with structured tools like Kuder Navigator or Kuder Galaxy, advisors can offer support that honors both the data and the individual behind it.
Imagine a student reviewing the results of a career interest assessment while debating between two potential career paths. A traditional advising session might jump straight into recommending steps. An MI led conversation invites reflection first.
These questions allow the student to explore personal motivations, emotions, and expectations. When these factors surface, the advisor and student can collaborate on a plan that supports the student’s authentic goals.
National Career Development Month emphasizes the value of helping individuals explore who they are and what they want to pursue. Motivational Interviewing reflects this purpose by encouraging people to express their motivations, reflect on their experiences, and make informed decisions that align with their goals.
By integrating MI into career conversations, advisors empower individuals to move from uncertainty to clarity. When combined with comprehensive career development tools like Kuder Navigator, Kuder Pathfinder, and Kuder Galaxy, MI strengthens the bridge between self discovery and meaningful action.
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