Career By happenstance - the effectiveness group

Presented By: Jennifer Soma

Dr. Cris Wildermuth

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The Former World of Work… 

Predictable › Area of study › Chosen profession › Longevity with employer

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Traditional Career Planning › Trait and Factor Approach

Compelling Statistics: 

2% of adult population is working in their originally intended career. (Krumboltz & Levin, 2010)



A majority of adults believe that chance events – or happenstance – has played a role in their careers. (Betsworth & Hansen, 1996)

What is Happenstance? Chance Events  Unplanned or Unexpected Occurrences  Serendipity  Luck 

Current World of Work 

Uncertainty

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Change

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Globalization

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Downsizing

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Technology

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Increased Diversity

Happenstance Learning Theory 

Developed by John Krumboltz in 2010

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Numerous learning experiences emerge from both planned and unplanned situations that impact the careers of individuals

These learning experiences can generate and/or influence:        

New skills Interests Knowledge Relationships Beliefs Preferences Emotions Future Actions

Research Study 

Purpose: To explore the role that happenstance has played in the careers of professional women and to identify best practices for incorporating the Happenstance Learning Theory into career planning

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Population and Sample:

› Five professional women  Attended Drake University  Minimum of 10 years of professional work experience  Live and/or work in the Des Moines metro area  Held more than one job during their career

Research Study 

Research Design: › Qualitative Exploratory Case Study › Interviews and Memos

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Research Questions: › How has happenstance played a role in the

careers of professional women? › How can the Happenstance Learning Theory be incorporated into career planning for professional women?

Interview Themes Chance Factors that Impacted Career

People

• Networking • Mentors • Assistance from others

Interview Themes Chance Factors that Impacted Career

Formal Education

Skill Development

Informal Education

Interview Themes Chance Factors that Impacted Career Readiness Factors and Skills •Awareness •Flexibility •Open-mindedness •Perseverance/Persistence •Risk-Taking •Intuition •Self-confidence •Optimism

•Active

Lifestyles

Interview Themes Chance Factors that Impacted Career

Avocational

Volunteering

Groups

Committees

Hobbies

Creating and Capitalizing on Happenstance… Awareness/Recognition

Creating and Capitalizing on Happenstance…

Take Action!

“Planful Serendipity” (Watts, 1996)

Career by Planning and Happenstance Model Traditional Career Planning Interests Abilities Chosen

Area of Study

Chosen

Industry

Chosen

Profession

Happenstance Actions: Risk-Taking Networking Learning/Development Involvement – Volunteering & Hobbies Attitudes/Skills: Open-Mindedness Optimism Flexibility Awareness Communications Motivation Perseverance Self-Confidence