What is the SDS in career counseling?

The SDS, or Self-Directed Search, is indeed a self-administered, self-scored interest inventory designed to help individuals identify their interests and relate them to potential career options. Developed by John Holland, this tool allows individuals to explore their vocational interests by matching their traits to specific jobs or fields based on Holland's six personality types: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional. The self-scored aspect empowers users to reflect on their preferences and provides a practical method for assessing which occupations may suit them best without needing external evaluation.

The other choices do not accurately reflect what the SDS is. While assessing job market trends, developing skills, or evaluating job performance are important aspects of career counseling, they do not pertain directly to the specific purpose and function of the SDS as an interest inventory. Thus, A stands out as the most accurate description of the SDS in the context of career counseling.