DescriptionThis dissertation examined the relevance of relationships for career development from two perspectives -- those of 159 students enrolled in professional master's degree programs (referred to as career developers -- CDs) and 12 career advisers (CAs), experts consulted for their counsel. Implicit in this research was the sense these experienced and desired senses of relational quality played an important role in people's career development, but they had not been well studied to date.
A multi-method approach was utilized to examine CDs' career and relational development, age, identification with two hypothetical scenarios, and their consultation with others when seeking career advice. Data were collected through a survey. How CAs conceived of routine difficulties people encounter and the advice they describe offering them was also considered. Data were collected through in-depth interviews.
The dissertation examined CDs with different career development interests: preparation (CP), enhancement (CE) or change (CC). Age was significantly associated with whether CDs sought to prepare for, enhance or change careers and their relational development. CDs differed significantly in their identification with Scenario-C, mostly reported by CCs. As CCs'career was "in-progress", these data suggest career concerns were more salient because of their desires for intimate relationships as careers are considered necessary for their development.
Almost all participants reported consulting intimate advisers for career advice. CPs frequently sought counsel from intimate advisers namely parents/siblings and academic advisers; these associations were significant. CEs frequently consulted co-workers; this association was also significant. CEs likely consulted co-workers for information about career enhancement opportunities, unlike CCs who may have considered them too great a risk. Surprisingly, most CDs did not report consulting expert advisers for career advice. Of those that did, most wre CCs. These findings suggest that differing career choices seem to relate to differing senses of relationships.
Common dilemmas noted by CAs were balancing personal and work-life, finding identification with work and boring or overly complex assignments. CAs counseled individuals to "voice" their dissatisfaction, develop additional skills or seek new employment. They also recommended organizations consider how flexibility, career development, and negotiation of personal and instrumental goals may resolve work dilemmas.