1. Challenging Occupational Choice Theory – enabling students to take control of their destiny Mark Stow Head of Careers & Employability Rachal Lilley Student Employment Co-ordinator

2. What is Occupational Choice Theory? www.uolcareers.co.uk Origins in 1908 Theories developed to inform the Careers Guidance profession and practice. Academic studies of motivation, and a reasoned approach to ‘why we do what we do’. Differentiated Psychology/ Sociology. Internal/ External.

3. Psychological (1) www.uolcareers.co.uk Trait Factor: Main Theorists: Parsons (1908), Rogers (1952), Holland (1966) What is it?: a matching theory; personality as ‘best fit’ for work environment; ‘pegs and holes’ Critique: Jobs as static, jobs as stereotypes, employee’s as stereotypes, individuals as one dimensional.

4. Psychological (2) www.uolcareers.co.uk Self Concept - Developmental theories: Main Theorists: Ginzberg (1951); Super (1957) What is it?: ‘Life Stages’; chronological age vs vocational maturity Critique: lack of recognition of external influencers (economic and social), individuals development as rigid structure.

5. Sociological (1) www.uolcareers.co.uk Opportunity Structure: Main theorists: Roberts (1968) – home, environment, school, peer group What is it?: Social structure/ Social positioning, people are ‘chosen by work’ and ‘take what is available’…; centred on ‘Exposure’. Critique: No personal choice; social mobility?, individuals as ‘servicing (their) labour market’.

6. Sociological (2) www.uolcareers.co.uk Community Interaction/ Social Learning: Main theorists: Bandura (1986); Krumboltz (1994) What is it?: Relevance placed on direct and personal encounters with the ‘community’; Instrumental/ Associative interactions; Feedback, Modelling and influence Critique: lack of flexibility; individuals still defined by immediate surroundings; does recognise networking…

7. Flawed concepts www.uolcareers.co.uk All have influenced professional practice (and still do!) No single theory is comprehensive – people make decisions based on both internal and external factors. Labour Markets are not static Individuals are not predictable People cannot be categorised

8. Dawn of a new era: www.uolcareers.co.uk Planned Happenstance: Main Theorists: Mitchell, Levin, Krumboltz (1999) What is it?: Recognising the impact of chance happenings – ‘happenstance’; Recognises that individuals can ‘create’ chance occurrences Critique: More in line with what we need our students to embrace – creating their own future.

9. How to tackle the GLM www.uolcareers.co.uk The modern graduate jobs market: BC to AD… - B.C - E=Q - A.D - E=Q+WE+SxC Dr Paul Redmond, The Graduate Jobs Formula, 2010

10. Career Planning Timeline – Students as Producers… www.uolcareers.co.uk Timeline

11. Lincoln Award – embracing the Student as producer ethos www.uolcareers.co.uk

12. Student Led……. www.uolcareers.co.uk  Complete at your own pace  From Year 1 through to Graduation  Fit around your studies, as and when you have the time  Recognise experiences and employability related activities that you are already engaging in  Enhance your employability through skills development  Gain a recognised award for your achievements  Participate in activities and meet new people outside of your peer group

13. Produce your own Lincoln Award www.uolcareers.co.uk  The Lincoln Award is individual to each and every student  You can mix and match criteria, extra-curricular activities, workshops and optional units  Ensuring that it is the best fit for you and the skills you want to enhance and consolidate  Enhance your employability by using the Lincoln Award to start your Career Planning Timeline

14. Explore & Evidence www.uolcareers.co.uk Proactively get involved, developing your employability skills : CV Workshops Careers Fairs Employer Presentations Work Experience/Volunteering Sign Language Courses First Aid Courses Self Awareness: What are your Skills, Strengths & Weaknesses: Pathway Appointment – Rate yourself against the top 10 skills and competencies looked for in graduate employees.

15. www.uolcareers.co.uk Networking: gain contacts through work experience, placements, volunteering, academic & alumni events. Enhance Interview Skills: Get 1-2-1 interview coaching as part of the integral Careers Coaching appointments through the Lincoln Award Work Experience: Gain valuable transferable skills and competencies through part time work, work experience, volunteering & placements. Which will all be recognised by the award.

16. Standing Out…….Moving Forward www.uolcareers.co.uk Making an application for a job and/or postgraduate study: Have examples from a wide variety of situations ( work experience, volunteering, networking, studies, group projects, workshops…) To evidence your skills and competencies against essential criteria. Attend Interviews and assessment centres: The opportunity to attend a mock interview with real employers (Siemens, Lincolnshire Co-op, Enterprise, Emphasis on skills, Cummins Engineering) and receive written feedback

17. www.uolcareers.co.uk