Career-self management and entrepreneurship: an experience with PhD students

Abstract

Introduction. This study presents an experience developed with PhD students aimed to analyze the extent to which career self-management should be approached along with entrepreneurship issues to promote students’ career development.Method. An intervention group who attended a Career Self-Management Seminar (EG1), a comparison group who attended the CSMS followed by a Seminar on Entrepreneurship (EG2), and a control group (CG) were compared, in three different moments (pre-test, post-test, and follow-up).Results. Results at an intra and inter-group level indicate that the EG1 and the EG2 significantly increased the extent of self-exploration, the intended-systematic exploration, and the amount of acquired information over time, and also their concerns related to holding and up-dating their careers. According to the longitudinal research plan, the EG1 participants benefited most of this career intervention.Discussion and Conclusion. The results suggest the effectiveness of the career seminar in most of the career development measures, particularly in comparison with the non-intervention. Implications are drawn to the development of career services and interventions that promote a reflection about entrepreneurship as a career path