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

2. 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

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

4. 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

5. 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

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