Malaysian study shows influence of generation Y’s career development strategies on the self-directedness of their careers

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper was to examine the influence of generation Y’s career establishment strategies on the self-directedness of their careers, and also determine the moderating effects of gender on the relationship.Design/methodology/approachIn this study, the authors looked at three types of career strategies – “creating career opportunities”, “seeking career guidance” and “self-nomination.” They tested the correlations of each one with self-directedness in the career establishment stage. The sampling for the study was general Y employees from multinationals in the Malaysian Electrical and Electronic Industry.FindingsIn analyzing the results it was found that 34.5 per cent of the variance of self-directedness in the careers of generation Y workers could be explained by creating career opportunities, seeking career guidance and self-nomination strategies. The best predictor of self-directedness was “creating career opportunities.” The results also revealed that male respondents were more likely than their female counterparts to use career creating opportunity strategies to achieve self-directedness.Originality/valueThe results show that generation Y workers should take care to improve their skills in order to manage their career development. This requires a willingness to take every opportunity to benefit from education, training and job experience. The authors also advise generation Y workers to seek out career guidance from experienced colleagues. It is also important that career counselors understand generation Y’s values in order to set the most suitable goals.