Presented By: Jennifer Soma
Career Development and Happenstance
Welcome
Dr. Cris Wildermuth
ENTER PRESENTER’S PICTURE OR AVATAR
www.drake.edu/alop
HRCI Information?
Overview of Today’s Webinar
Career By Happenstance
The Role of Chance Events in Careers and Career Planning
The Former World of Work…
Predictable› Area of study› Chosen profession› Longevity with employer
Traditional Career Planning› Trait and Factor Approach
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)
Compelling Statistics:
What is Happenstance?
Chance Events Unplanned or
Unexpected Occurrences
Serendipity Luck
Current World of Work Uncertainty
Change
Globalization
Downsizing
Technology
Increased Diversity
Happenstance Learning Theory
Developed by John Krumboltz in 2010
Numerous learning experiences emerge from both planned and unplanned situations that impact the careers of individuals
2
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
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
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
• Networking• Mentors• Assistance from
others
People
Interview ThemesChance Factors that Impacted
Career
Learning
Formal Education
Informal Education
Skill Development
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
Volunteering
Committees
Groups Hobbies
Chance Factors that Impacted Career
Avocational
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
Happenstance
Interests
Abilities
Chosen Area of Study
Chosen Industry
Chosen Profession
Actions:Risk-TakingNetworkingLearning/DevelopmentInvolvement – Volunteering & HobbiesAttitudes/Skills:Open-MindednessOptimismFlexibilityAwarenessCommunicationsMotivationPerseveranceSelf-Confidence