The Psychology of Career Success

Rationale and Purpose of the Module: The purpose of this module is to introduce students to a range of theoretical concepts within the field of career theory. It is also intended to give students an understanding of the tension between active career self-management and contextual constraints and opportunities within the world of work. Students will use the theoretical concepts and explanations to evaluate factors influencing subjective and objective career success at various life stages, in various local and international contexts, and within and outside of organisations. They will consider careers from their own perspective as well as from the perspective of an external career coach and an internal HR manager.

Syllabus: Career concepts and definitions; changing landscape of careers including traditional versus protean/boundaryless perspectives; careers from individual and organisational perspectives; entrepreneurial careers, fast-track careers and expatriate careers across international borders; different meanings of career success; occupational and organisational choice including psychometric assessment; stage based theories of career development; career development model; individual and organisation-sponsored approaches to career exploration; career goals, career indecision and career competence, career strategies and their implications for individuals and organisations; career appraisal; career and life stage challenges and concerns; contemporary issues in career management including stress, work-family interaction and diversity; role of strategic human resource management systems in career management; role of career coaches and consultants.