Career Development Theory Super’s Self Concept Theory & Overview of Life Stages (Chapter 1) Kathleen E. High, M.Ed. Adapted from: Sukienni, D. Bendat, W. Raufman, L. (2007). The Career Fitness Program (8th Ed.).

Super’s Self-concept theory (P. 4-6) We differ in abilities, interests and values Every occupation requires certain traits Each of us is qualified for a number of occupations Vocational preferences and skills change with time and experience Selecting a career involves the following stages

Career Selection Stages: Growth physical, emotional Exploration Fantasy, tentative, reality testing Establishment Offers experiences for growth Maintenance Maintain or improve in career area Disengagement See no new challenges or chances for mobility

Supers Self-concept theory (Cont’d) Career patterns are influenced by: Socioeconomic level Mental ability Personality Opportunities to which exposed Career development = Self concept development Work and life satisfaction depend on ability to have sufficient outlets for interests, personality, values, and traits.

Overview of Life Stages (p. 6-7) Late Adolescence (16-22) Provisional Adulthood (22-28) Thirties Transition (28-32) Time of Rooting (32-39) Turning-Point Years (39-43) Restabilization/Bearing Fruit (43-50) Renewal (50-60) Transition Toward Retirement (60+)

Notes About Life Stages Theories are based on “social norms” Of past and present May not take into account societal changes of Present & Future (Rapidly-changing world) (We will discuss later) May not necessarily reflect cultural differences