Career Adaptation in Relation to Selected Student Personal Characteristics: A Canonical Correlation Analysis

Abstract

Career adaptability is important for someone, especially in relation to changes, job transitions, career preparations, and challenges in the world of works. People who have high career adaptability can get a greater chance to be successful in their work. This study aimed to examine the relationship between two complex variates such as career optimism and proactive personality with career adaptability. Quantitative research method was used. Data were obtained by questionnaire from a sample of 305 students at a vocational school in east Java. Canonical correlation was utilized in order to pursue the research objective. Findings discovered that significant positive correlation between the two canonical variates as big as 0.665 or 44.2%. Negative loadings found in all parts of composite variables inside the clusters or variates, however, positive across the groups due to the negative against negative loading directions. Gaining optimism as a part of career optimism failed to have valid load so that the conclusions were not significant neither contribution as expressed by the canonical weight.