Career Adaptability

Introduction

This is the initial entry in a series of blog posts delving into modern career psychology concepts. The goal is to present research in a way that is clear and accessible to both professionals and the general public. I hope the insights shared here will support you in your career and self-discovery journey. Please remember, this content is intended for educational purposes and is not personalised advice. If you require individual guidance, please reach out to a career development practitioner, counsellor, or psychologist.

What is career Adaptability?

The traditional approach to career psychology emphasised assessment of potential, personality, and interest along with an interview to evaluate the client's profile against a series of careers or jobs. This approach is called the person-environment-fit model and emphasised that a fit between personal characteristics and job tasks and environment will likely lead to a fulfilling career. While this perspective is true, and numerous research studies support this view, in practice this often translated to career practitioners explaining results through a top-down approach. This often leaves clients with a wealth of information, but without the essential tools to further develop insight into themselves and their careers.

Ultimately, the responsibility for making an informed career decision lies with the client. As such, a more holistic approach to career guidance entails equipping individuals with the necessary tools to navigate the job market effectively. Subsequently, the core objective of career guidance is not only to inform clients but also to promote career adaptability— the ability to manage one's own career. Savika was the pioneering researcher who introduced the concept of career adaptability, outlining it through four key stages. These stages are outlined below with practical tips on how to facilitate career adaptability.

Concern

When faced with career transitions, are you concerned about what lies ahead? Awareness is the first step in managing change and often people regret inaction not because they were unaware of the consequences, but because they underestimated its impact.

To enhance your sense of career concern, consider the following:

• Visualise your ideal future in detail. Think about finances, work-life balance, daily tasks, preferred work environment, and more. The clearer your vision, the better you can assess how your career decisions support or hinder it.

• Identify your non-negotiables. What are the goals or values you’re unwilling to compromise on?

• Evaluate how your career path aligns with your future vision. Does it support or conflict with the goals you’ve set?

Control

Throughout childhood, most choices are made for us - what we eat, when we sleep, which activities we engage in. Sometimes, this pattern can carry over into adulthood, even influencing career choices unconsciously. It's essential to reflect on whether your career decisions are truly your own and whether you’re willing to take personal responsibility for them.

Reflect on the following:

• List the careers held by your family members.

• Identify your own ideal career or job.

• Compare the two: Is your current or intended path similar to that of your family? If so, is this a conscious choice, and are you fully committed to owning that decision?

  
  

Curiosity

The world of work is broader than ever, extending well beyond traditional occupations like doctor, lawyer, teacher, or accountant. While these are meaningful paths, it’s crucial to explore the full range of possibilities that may better align with your unique interests and talents.

Ask yourself the following:

• Have you spoken with professionals in the field you're interested in?

• Have you researched niche or emerging roles related to your area of interest?

• Are you aware of how technological advancements are reshaping your chosen industry or profession?

Confidence

Believing in your ability to succeed is vital to career progress. Without self-confidence, setbacks can feel overwhelming and limit your willingness to take risks or pursue opportunities. Building confidence involves more than positive thinking—it requires action and exposure.

To strengthen career confidence:

• Engage in job shadowing to experience real work environments.

• Take part in work-related activities, internships, or volunteering to build relevant skills.

• Reflect on your achievements regularly to remind yourself of your growth and potential.

Conclusion

Ultimately, career guidance should be an empowering process that equips individuals with the skills and confidence to navigate their own career paths. While psychometric assessments play a valuable role in providing objective, accurate insights that enhance self-awareness, effective career guidance must go further. It should actively support the development of career adaptability, enabling individuals to respond flexibly and confidently to change and uncertainty in the world of work.

References

Savickas, M.L., & Porfeli, E.J., Career Adapt-Abilities Scale: Construction, reliability, and measurement equivalence across 13 countries, Journal of Vocational Behavior (2012), doi:10.1016/j.jvb.2012.01.011

Maree, JG 2012, 'Career Adapt-Abilities Scale-South African Form : psychometric properties and construct validity', Journal of Vocational Behavior (2012), doi: 10.1016/j.jvb.2012.01.005.