Career Paths Research Articles

Calling’s dimensions and career development among undergraduate students

ABSTRACT Most scholars conceptualize calling as multidimensional, yet most studies operationalize the variable using unidimensional scales or total scores from multidimensional scales. Consequently, research has established calling’s overall relationships with career development variables without clarifying the dimensions’ roles in accounting for these associations. We sought to address this concern using multiple linear regression models examining how calling’s dimensions (transcendent summons, purposeful work, and prosocial orientation) uniquely relate to career development among undergraduate students. Occupational self-efficacy, vocational identity, and career engagement were used as criterion variables. Each dimension accounted for unique variance in career development variables, suggesting that incorporating all dimensions in calling research is important. Occupational self-efficacy uniquely related to purposeful work and prosocial orientation. Vocational identity was significantly associated with transcendent summons. Career engagement uniquely related to all dimensions. Our findings support multidimensional calling operationalizations. Implications for career counseling professionals are explored with suggestions for incorporating each dimension in practice.

Novel Strategies for Lung Cancer Interventional Diagnostics

Lung cancer is a major global health issue, with 2.21 million cases and 1.80 million deaths reported in 2020. It is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Most lung cancers have been linked to tobacco use, with changes in cigarette composition over the years contributing to shifts in cancer types and tumor locations within the lungs. Additionally, there is a growing incidence of lung cancer among never-smokers, particularly in East Asia, which is expected to increase the global burden of the disease. The classification of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) into distinct subtypes is crucial for treatment efficacy and patient safety, especially as different subtypes respond differently to chemotherapy. For instance, certain chemotherapeutic agents are more effective for adenocarcinoma than for squamous carcinoma, which has led to the exclusion of squamous carcinoma from treatments like Bevacizumab due to safety concerns. This necessitates accurate histological diagnosis, which requires sufficient tissue samples from biopsies. However, acquiring adequate tissue is challenging due to the complex nature of lung tumors, patient comorbidities, and potential complications from biopsy procedures, such as bleeding, pneumothorax, and the purported risk of local recurrence. The need for improved diagnostic techniques has led to the development of advanced technologies like electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy (ENB), radial endobronchial ultrasound (rEBUS), and robotic bronchoscopy. ENB and rEBUS have enhanced the accuracy and safety of lung biopsies, particularly for peripheral lesions, but both have limitations, such as the dependency on the presence of a bronchus sign. Robotic bronchoscopy, which builds on ENB, offers greater maneuverability and stability, improving diagnostic yields. Additionally, new imaging adjuncts, such as Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) and augmented fluoroscopy, further enhance the precision of these procedures by providing real-time, high-resolution imaging. These advancements are crucial as lung cancer is increasingly being detected at earlier stages due to screening programs, which require minimally invasive, accurate diagnostic methods to improve patient outcomes. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current challenges in lung cancer diagnostics and the innovative technological advancements in this rapidly evolving field, which represents an increasingly exciting career path for aspiring pulmonologists.

Research on the Development of Employability of Environmental Design Students in the Context of Knowledge Production Mode Transformation

Driven by the rapid changes in the knowledge economy and societal demands, higher education is undergoing a significant transformation from the traditional knowledge production mode (Mode 1) to a new mode of knowledge production (Mode 2) characterized by practice orientation and interdisciplinary collaboration. This transformation imposes higher requirements on the educational model of environmental design programs, particularly in cultivating students' employability. Against this backdrop, this study explores the connotation and core dimensions of employability for environmental design students, including professional competence, innovation capability, interdisciplinary collaboration, and practical application skills. Based on an analysis of the current status and challenges, this paper proposes targeted strategies such as optimizing the curriculum system, building diversified practical teaching models, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation, and strengthening the linkage between career guidance and industry connections. The study argues that by actively responding to the transformation of knowledge production modes, environmental design programs can significantly enhance students' employability, thereby bridging societal demands and individual career development. This research provides both theoretical and practical references for educational reform in environmental design programs and serves as a model for other practice-oriented disciplines.

The contribution of Orenburg scholars and educators to the development of a system for preparing students for a conscious choice of teaching profession in the late soviet period

The relevance of the research is due to the dynamically increasing need of schools for teaching staff. Today, such a socio-pedagogical phenomenon as "psychological and pedagogical classes" is being revived. Orenburg State Pedagogical University has extensive experience in the theory and practice of introducing new forms of vocational guidance for schoolchildren to the teaching profession, including the organization of psychological and pedagogical classes. The purpose of the research is to reconstruct the process of vocational guidance of adolescents and high school students for teaching professions in Orenburg region in the late Soviet period. The choice of research methods is determined by the peculiarities of historical and pedagogical knowledge. The methods of scientific research were: theoretical analysis of normative documents, study of primary sources, comparative historical method, method of reconstruction, systematic analysis of psychological and pedagogical literature on the problem of research, generalization of theoretical and practical data. Theoretical significance the research consists of defining the theory and practice of career guidance for schoolchildren in the teaching profession in the 70–80s of the 20th century.

Keeping up with the Max Plancks? Germany’s quest for university excellence and the role of public research institutes in doctoral education

AbstractDoctoral education is a crucial stage in the academic socialization of early-career researchers. Prior research has shown that career paths and activities of Ph.D.s are shaped by the universities and departments in which they were trained. To widen this focus, we analyze the role of public research organizations (PROs) and private-sector firms as organizational employment contexts of doctoral education. The empirical context of our study is Germany, where PROs and firms employ large numbers of doctoral candidates and provide the organizational environment for their dissertation research. Utilizing a novel process-generated dataset that covers about 40,000 STEM Ph.D.s who graduated from 1995 to 2011, we find that Ph.D.s employed at PROs during doctoral education are more likely to stay in academia than their university-employed peers. Despite extensive policy efforts that sought to strengthen the research performance of German universities, doctoral candidates employed at basic research-oriented PROs had the strongest cross-cohort increase in their post-graduation academic employment share. This group also experienced the most pronounced fall in the share of high post-graduation income owners. Industry-employed doctoral candidates are unlikely to migrate to the academic sector and have the highest likelihood of obtaining high post-graduation incomes.

Medical student diversity and the importance of advocacy in choice of career path

BackgroundMedical student demographics have shifted over time, requiring medical schools to engage prospective students from diverse backgrounds. Understanding career motivators may help schools improve recruitment, create inclusive teaching and learning environments, and engage students underrepresented in medicine (UiM).MethodsWe distributed a cross-sectional survey to two cohorts of first-year students (n = 337) attending a private U.S. medical school. The survey assessed experiences prior to and within the first two years of medical school, motivating factors related to career choice, and demographic characteristics.Results257 students responded (76% response rate). The responders were 56% male, 40% female, and 4% non-binary or preferred not to report gender. 37% identified as Asian/Pacific Islander, 36% as White, and 21% as UiM. 16% were first-generation to attend college. 45% plan to enter surgical fields, 33% primary care fields, and 22% other fields/subspecialties. Most respondents endorsed the following as extremely or very important for their choice of a career in medicine: intellectual stimulation (96%), helping others (95%), advocating for underprivileged people (78%), and creating new knowledge (74%). UiM responders were statistically significantly more likely than their non-UiM classmates to indicate interest in advocacy for underprivileged populations (OR 4.3, 95% CI 1.4, 12.9).ConclusionsMost students indicated that intellectual stimulation, helping others, and creating new knowledge were motivators for entering medical school. However, UiM students are more likely to also cite advocacy as a key motivator. Medical schools should provide curricular and para-curricular offerings that address advocacy and social determinants of health to engage a diverse student body.

Explore, Identify, and Align: Utilizing Generative AI as a Career Coach

ABSTRACT Students who have a comprehensive understanding of their potential career paths are better able to make informed decisions regarding their professional futures. Providing classroom activities and assignments designed for career exploration is important to help instructors facilitate student experiences for learning about career paths, supporting a student’s career search tasks, and providing interview preparation. However, early access to these opportunities does not always occur. This paper introduces a classroom exercise designed to assist students in integrating new knowledge with their existing career understanding while improving their confidence and comprehension of key career concepts and job search information. By using generative AI like ChatGPT, students explore career paths, identify suitable job roles, and align their experiences with their chosen career trajectories. The results show students experienced a significant increase in their self-assessed confidence in the knowledge of several career-development-related tasks, such as identifying jobs related to their college major, differentiating between career roles, preparing a resume aligned with their skill set for a specific job role, and preparing to interview for a specific job role. Finally, qualitative student comments provide more detail related to career fears or hesitations reduced by the course activity.

Graduates with High-Functioning Autism: Perceptions of Academic and Labor Market Adjustment

This study explores the perceptions of academic and labor market adaptation among graduates with high-functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), in comparison to neurotypical counterparts. Contrary to the expected significant differences attributed to the unique challenges associated with ASD, the findings did not indicate major disparities in perceptions of adaptation to both academic settings and labor market entry. The investigation encompassed 134 participants, divided between individuals diagnosed with high-functioning ASD and a control group from the general population, employing self-administered questionnaires to evaluate adaptability perceptions. The absence of anticipated differences suggests that the existing supports within educational and employment contexts may be effectively facilitating the transition for graduates with ASD. The study highlights the importance of inclusive career guidance and job placement services, demonstrating a positive correlation between academic adaptation and labor market preparedness. These results challenge pre-existing notions regarding the ASD experience during critical transitions from higher education to employment, advocating for enhanced policies and practices that accommodate the diverse needs of all graduates.

Empowering career pathways: integrating self-regulation strategies with career counseling practices

Empowering career pathways: integrating self-regulation strategies with career counseling practices

Career Choices Among Individuals with Disabilities in the Gulf Region: Cultural, Religious, Policy, and Socio-Economic Influences: A Literature Review

This study explores the multifaceted factors influencing career decisions among individuals with disabilities (IWDs) in the Gulf region, emphasizing the interplay between health and cultural/religious contexts. To examine these complex influences, this review adopts Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory as a guiding framework. This theoretical lens facilitates an in-depth analysis of how personal attributes, religious and cultural beliefs, disability-specific challenges, systemic and environmental barriers, gender-related issues, social networks, transition and teachers’ attitudes, work environment, and government policies interact across multiple levels to shape career choices for IWDs in the Gulf region. Cultural and religious beliefs critically shape both the perceptions and opportunities available to IWDs, reflecting the broader macrosystem influences. By applying this multi-layered approach, this review highlights the need to integrate religious and spiritual considerations into support frameworks to enhance the mental and physical well-being of IWDs as they navigate their career paths. The findings suggest actionable implications for policymakers and practitioners dedicated to improving inclusion and equity in the workforce for individuals with disabilities.

The emerging policy model for career guidance in England: some lessons from international examples

The existing international evidence is reviewed in relation to four aspects of the emerging policy model for career guidance in England: an all-age service; revitalising the professionalism of career guidance; the partnership model between schools and an external service; and introducing school commissioning. It is concluded that the first three are supported by the international evidence; but that on the fourth, the evidence is more negative. Evidence is also reviewed in relation to six high-performing countries in terms of school performance. It is concluded that there is no common pattern that characterises the career guidance provision in these countries, but that any devolution of responsibility to schools needs to be accompanied by strong policy levers. These might include measures to assure professional standards, support for school planning and self-evaluation, and in-service training for school heads.

EXPRESS: The Burden of Being Atypical: The Impact of (A)typicality in Leader Profiles on Organizational Reputation

Despite growing interest in appointing top leaders with atypical biographical profiles, many organizations follow typical expectations of what a leader’s profile looks like and avoid deviations from such expectations. This paper aims to answer why such changes to leadership atypicality can be difficult by examining a major disadvantage of atypical leader profiles – organizational reputational penalties. Drawing on institutional theory and leadership categorization theory, we propose that atypical components in a leader’s profile are met with greater skepticism and scrutiny of leadership capability from external stakeholders, thereby leading to reputation losses. We examine this argument by developing and testing hypotheses on the reputational impact of atypicality in deans’ profiles in American law schools from 1998 to 2016. Our results show that atypical attributes of a leader’s profile are negatively associated with organizational reputation across a broad spectrum of deans’ key profile attributes, including their career path, education credentials, and gender minorities. We discuss the implications of these findings for the study of organizational atypicality and reputation.

Career Development Practices and Employee Performance in Murang’a Water and Sanitation Company Limited in Kenya

Career development encompasses a range of practices designed to enhance employees' skills, knowledge, and competencies, enabling them to progress in their careers. As organizations strive for competitive advantage in a rapidly changing labour market, fostering employee growth has become a strategic priority. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of career development practices on employee performance in Murang'a Water and Sanitation Company Limited in Kenya. The study had a target population of 150 employees working in MUWASCO. The researcher employed a census sampling technique and used self-administered questionnaires in data collection. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 22, which involved both descriptive and inferential statistics. The study found that career management, planning, and counselling significantly influenced employee performance, with career counselling emerging as the most effective practice at MUWASCO. Regression analysis indicated that changes in career development practices would impact employee performance. The study concluded that there is a positive and statistically significant relationship between career development practices and employee performance. The findings indicate that effective career development initiatives lead to increased employee engagement, motivation, and job satisfaction, all of which contribute to enhanced performance. Therefore, it is recommended that MUWASCO invest more resources in skills development, offer incentives to encourage participation in development programs, establish clear career guidance policies, and organize regular seminars, mentorship programs, and conferences. Additionally, adopting a variety of career development practices, such as job rotation, career progression ladders, job enrichment, and succession planning, could help achieve optimal performance.

Технология проектирования модуля «профориентация» рабочей программы воспитания общеобразовательной организации

The article is devoted to the problem of designing the module «Career guidance» of the work program of education of an educational organization. Methodological tips and recommendations for the development of the module under consideration on the basis of the federal work program of education are presented.

Embracing occupational history: A doctoral research study investigating the career aspirations of older workers

What are the career aspirations of older professional workers in business advisory services? How does their career history influence their aspirations as they navigate toward retirement? These are the principal questions underlying the doctoral research programme showcased in this article. In contemporary society the concept of retirement is being challenged as the population ages and the government review their social strategies. ‘Traditional’ career pathways of older professional workers reflected an ascendant career which embraced their expertise and service, but now, with continuing organisational turbulence, some face a changing environment where their career path looks less certain. This article illustrates some of the main issues facing a new doctoral researcher; it is written at the beginning of the second year of research and addresses some critical questions that a new researcher needs to consider when they set out on their research journey. This reflective article takes Rudyard Kipling’s (1902) ‘six honest servingmen (sic)’ as its framework.

Socioecological drivers of burnout - a mixed methods study of military health providers.

Health provider burnout is highly prevalent (28-51%) in the US and may contribute to a projected national health provider shortage by 2030. The Socioecological Model (SEM) is a proven conceptual framework used to identify influencing factors and design relevant solutions to improve health outcomes across multiple ecological levels. This study applied the SEM to identify modifiable drivers and solutions of burnout across multiple levels among US Military health providers. We conducted a cross-sectional mixed methods study using an online survey (N = 129) and in-depth interviews (N = 25) of active duty military health providers. Our primary quantitative outcome was self-reported definite, unrelenting, or complete burnout. Our quantitative analysis included chi-square tests of association and bootstrapped multivariable logistic regressions to explore SEM-informed correlates of burnout, controlling for contextual variables. Our qualitative data explored providers individual experience with workplace stress and burnout, providing details on factors influencing burnout at the individual, interpersonal, organizational and military levels. The qualitative data was systematically coded and analyzed using grounded theory. About two-thirds (63%) of surveyed providers self-reported burnout. Individual-level factors significantly associated with burnout included a positive coping style (AOR = 0.21; 95% CI: 0.08-0.56), perceived control over workload (AOR = 0.17; 95% CI: 0.04-0.66), and satisfaction with the current job (AOR = 0.11; 95% CI: 0.03-0.39). At the organizational level, providers described as overworked (AOR = 10.58; 95% CI: 3.30-33.91) or in hectic or chaotic primary work areas (AOR = 7.54; 95% CI: 2.33-24.38) had higher rates of burnout. At the military level, providers who were happy with their career path and promotion plan (AOR = 0.16; 95% CI: 0.06-0.44) reported lower rates of burnout. The organizational level had the highest cumulative impact of modifiable factors on burnout (AOR: 0.15; 95% CI: 0.06, 0.36). Qualitative interviews corroborated survey findings and highlighted the individual level manifestations of burnout, the role of interpersonal support as mitigators of burnout and the complexity of governmental and military policies impacting provider wellness. Identified factors influencing burnout at various levels may inform potential data-driven interventions to ensure a functional and vibrant US Military health. Data-driven strategies may include opportunities to balance work demands with resources and ability to cope as well as improve positive coping skills, attitudes and experiences related to work.

Editorial

The aim of this issue is to ‘showcase’ the work of a number of writers who are engaged with research at post-graduate level, beyond any initial professional education. As will become evident some of this work is completed, or near to completion, whilst other work is at the start of the research process. All of the writers are experienced practitioners and/or academicswho have sought to expand their knowledge in an area of professional interest and to disseminate this to others. The research presented in this issue also represents different sectors within career education and guidance.

Exploring the helping skills used by careers advisers: Application of the Hill Counsellor Verbal Response Mode Category System

This article reports on a study that explores the use of the Hill Counsellor Verbal Response Mode Category System as a framework for investigating and categorising the helping skills used by career advisers. Audio-recordings of 13 career guidance interviews undertaken by six careers advisers were transcribed and then coded using the HCVRMCS. At the time that data were collected career advisers participating in the study worked for Careers Scotland and used Careers Scotland’s ‘Approach to Guidance’ (Allen and Paine, 2006) in their interviews with clients.

Pathway Plans – telling my story?

Pathway planning concerns the transition of young people leaving care to independent living and adulthood. This article is based on doctoral research (Stewart, 2009) into the pathway planning process introduced under the Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000 (OPSI, 2000). The research concentrated on the key components of education, training and employment. In particular, it investigated whether such planning could improve the life chances of female care leavers who are teenage parents. Central to the process are the young person’s aspirations and sense of identity, both fundamental to career planning. This article reflects on two key aspects that emerged from the investigations and are pertinent to the practice of career guidance: the value of adopting a narrative framework as developed by Leiblich et al. (1998) when conducting interviews with the young people; and how participation in the pathway planning process supported the young people in exploring, reflecting and re-defining their sense of self.

Becoming aware of taken for granted attitudes and prejudices: A pilot study of Information, Advice and Guidance Practitioners

This article reports on the early stages of my empirical research. It explores how the enquiry developed through doubts in my own practice as an Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) practitioner working outreach in East Lancashire. My early enquiry has developed out of emerging critical insights on my own ‘whiteness’ and further my ‘taken for granted’ attitudes. This resulted in the discovery of my ‘own reflexive voice’ which was captured in narrative, an example of which is included within this article. The research has been informed by theories on ‘whiteness’ and ‘taken for grantedness’. The research also considers possible limitations of some current careers guidance training, which could mean that some practitioners never reflect critically on their own taken for grantedness. It is suggested that if they were to engage in this deeper level of critical reflection, then they may develop a better understanding of the different world-views of their clients.