The Dynamics of Occupational Career Trajectories
Author / Producer
Date
2022-05
Publication Type
Doctoral Thesis
ETH Bibliography
yes
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Abstract
Contemporary careers are characterized by manifold socio-economic and technological transformations, that will transform work design across virtually all occupations. Considering such rapid developments, individuals have to adapt to ever changing work environments within their occupations, or, alternatively, pursue different career paths and exit their occupations. Yet, occupations are fundamental reference points that guide individual career development and provide individuals with meaning, identity, and direction in their careers, making occupational change a costly major transition. While job and organizational mobility are a frequent, and well understood phenomenon, research on occupational mobility is scarce. Therefore, the objective of this thesis is to gain a better understanding of the process leading to occupational mobility, and stability.
This thesis consists of three dissertation studies that predominantly build on the specifics of the Swiss vocational education and training system. The first study investigates the impact of work design features experienced during vocational preparation on satisfaction with the training occupation, and occupational change in vocational careers. The second study explores what individuals do to maintain their occupational stability. Finally, the third study examines the influence of technological self-efficacy on occupational mobility intentions. The results of thesis show that vocational education and training sets the stage for occupational stability. To maintain this stability throughout the career, specific strategies are used that include both proactive and reactive elements. And given technological advancements, both self-efficacy beliefs, and contextual variables are important predictors of occupational mobility intentions. Informed by these findings, this thesis advances our understanding of the dynamics of occupational career trajectories throughout different career phases and provides meaningful practical implications on how sustained occupational stability can be promoted.
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Publication status
published
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Editor
Contributors
Examiner : Grote, Gudela
Examiner : van der Heijden, Beatrice
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Journal / series
Volume
Pages / Article No.
Publisher
ETH Zurich
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Edition / version
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Date collected
Date created
Subject
Occupational Mobility; Vocational Careers; Occupational Identity; Work Satisfaction
Organisational unit
03356 - Grote, Gudela / Grote, Gudela