Career Development and Happenstance

Presented By: Jennifer Soma

Career Development and Happenstance

Welcome

Dr. Cris Wildermuth

ENTER PRESENTER’S PICTURE OR AVATAR

www.drake.edu/alop

Presenter: Jennifer Soma, M.S.Research Analyst

Principal Financial Group Soma.Jennifer@principal.com

HRCI Information?

Overview of Today’s Webinar

Career By Happenstance

The Role of Chance Events in Careers and Career Planning

The Former World of Work…

Predictable› Area of study› Chosen profession› Longevity with employer

Traditional Career Planning› Trait and Factor Approach

2% of adult population is working in their originally intended career.

(Krumboltz & Levin, 2010)

A majority of adults believe that chance events – or happenstance – has played a role in their careers.

(Betsworth & Hansen, 1996)

Compelling Statistics:

What is Happenstance? Chance Events Unplanned or

Unexpected Occurrences

Serendipity Luck

Current World of Work Uncertainty

Change

Globalization

Downsizing

Technology

Increased Diversity

Happenstance Learning Theory

Developed by John Krumboltz in 2010

Numerous learning experiences emerge from both planned and unplanned situations that impact the careers of individuals

2

These learning experiences can generate and/or influence:

New skills Interests Knowledge Relationships Beliefs Preferences Emotions Future Actions

Research Study Purpose:

To explore the role that happenstance has played in the careers of professional women and to identify best practices for incorporating the Happenstance Learning Theory into career planning

Population and Sample: › Five professional women

Attended Drake University Minimum of 10 years of professional work

experience Live and/or work in the Des Moines metro area Held more than one job during their career

Research Study Research Design:

› Qualitative Exploratory Case Study› Interviews and Memos

Research Questions:› How has happenstance played a role

in the careers of professional women?› How can the Happenstance Learning

Theory be incorporated into career planning for professional women?

Interview ThemesChance Factors that Impacted Career

• Networking• Mentors• Assistance from

others

People

Interview ThemesChance Factors that Impacted

CareerLearning

Formal Education

Informal Education

Skill Development

Interview Themes Chance Factors that Impacted Career

Readiness Factors and Skills•Awareness•Flexibility

•Open-mindedness•Perseverance/Persistence

•Risk-Taking•Intuition

•Self-confidence•Optimism

•Active Lifestyles

Interview Themes

Volunteering

Committees

Groups Hobbies

Chance Factors that Impacted Career

Avocational

Creating and Capitalizing on Happenstance…

Awareness/Recognition

Creating and Capitalizing on Happenstance…

Take Action!

“Planful Serendipity”

(Watts, 1996)

Career by Planning and Happenstance Model

Traditional Career Planning

Happenstance

Interests

Abilities

Chosen Area of Study

Chosen Industry

Chosen Profession

Actions:Risk-TakingNetworkingLearning/DevelopmentInvolvement – Volunteering & HobbiesAttitudes/Skills:Open-MindednessOptimismFlexibilityAwarenessCommunicationsMotivationPerseveranceSelf-Confidence