Career Development and Happenstance Presented By Jennifer Soma

Career Development and Happenstance Presented By: Jennifer Soma

Welcome Dr. Cris Wildermuth ENTER PRESENTER’S PICTURE OR AVATAR

www. drake. edu/alop

Presenter: Jennifer Soma, M. S. Research Analyst Principal Financial Group Soma. Jennifer@principal. com

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

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 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 People • Networking • Mentors • Assistance from others

Interview Themes Chance Factors that Impacted Career Learning 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 ØInterests ØAbilities ØChosen Area of Study ØChosen Industry ØChosen Profession Happenstance ØActions: Risk-Taking Networking Learning/Development Involvement – Volunteering & Hobbies ØAttitudes/Skills: Open-Mindedness Optimism Flexibility Awareness Communications Motivation Perseverance Self-Confidence