1. 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.).

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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.

5. 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+)

6. 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