Career professionals examine guidance work as part of a social and cultural reality that affects the clients' situation and opportunities to construct their lives and careers equally and sustainably. In addition to the individual's own goals and guidance needs, the organisation of guidance is influenced by social, health and rehabilitation policy objectives, as well as educational and labour market policy objectives. As working life and individuals are constantly evolving, guidance requires a dynamic understanding of society and people's opportunities to learn along with this change.

The career professional has knowledge and understanding of

• essential operating principles of society and the labour market
• the impact of societal structures and operating systems on their work
• the impact of global economic factors on the labour market
• the importance of anticipation and futures’ literacy in their work
• various signals that anticipate changes (see also B3.1 Information retrieval and management)
• the impact of changes in their operating environment
• the interface between client interests and the labour market
• the social functions of the education system and the role and function of guidance in it
• the impact of current international and national trends on the functional capacity of clients and organisations, as well as on life and career planning
• the importance of guidance in the realisation of equity and equality in society
• the importance of guidance in the realisation of social inclusion and a sustainable lifestyle in society

The career professional is able to

• critically examine the societal trends
• consider how economical and other factors affecting people’s lives are impacting their plans regarding their life and career
• examine socially constructed differences and power relations in education and working life
• take into account the impact of changes in working life on individuals' careers, skills needs and mobility
• utilise anticipation and future literacy in their work
• promote the realisation of equity and equality
• take factors that strengthen a sustainable lifestyle into account in guidance
• provide their clients with guidance when planning their education and careers in international contexts