Postmodernism and The Theory of Career Construction PSY 714 Spring 2007 Instructor: Emily E. Bullock, Ph.D.

Theory of Career Construction Updates and advances Super’s Theory Considered more applicable to a multicultural society and a global economy Based on the idea that we each construct representations of reality Career development is due to the adaptation to the environment rather than internal maturation Career development occurs through an active process of meaning making rather than a discovery of preexisting facts

Theory of Career Construction 16 Propositions 3 Main Components of the Theory Vocational Personality Type Career Adaptability Life Theme

Theory of Career Construction: Career Adaptability How one constructs a career; individual’s readiness and resources for coping with current and imminent vocational development tasks, occupational transitions, and personal traumas Career Maturity 4 dimensions of response readiness and coping resources Concern Control Curiosity Confidence

Theory of Career Construction: Life Themes Why of vocational behavior in a way that is highly unique to each individual “consists of a problem or a set of problems which a person wishes to solve above everything else and the means that the person finds to achieve a solution” Mattering

Theory of Career Construction: The Practice How do you think you could implement this theory in practice? Career Style Inventory Client Narratives