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A Grounded Theory Approach Into The Development Of Career Goals

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A grounded theory approach into the development of career goals during childhood to adulthood

ABSTRACT

The study aimed to investigate whether career goals changed during childhood to adulthood, and what influences an individual to change their career goals. The study employed a grounded theory approach to analyse the three participants career goals. Two participants, age 20 and 21, attended the University of Westminster. The third participant was a 20-year-old, employed at ASOS. All three participants took part in a twenty minute, semi-structured interview. The study identified four main themes, which were 1.) Changes in job occupation goals; 2.) Impact on career goals; 3.) Career preparation and 4.) Level of certainty and attitude. …show more content…

Although there is a lack of pressure for children to make an immediate decision on their career path, children begin to develop a career ambition through interest, rather in relation to their abilities (Tracey & Ward, 1998). However, during adolescence, career ambitions are alternated based on the individual’s academic abilities (Tracey, 2002).

Further research, by Schultheiss, Palma & Manzi’s (2002) exhibited that children were more likely to show an awareness of a profession, in regards to social support from family, role models and friends. Previous research has also identified that parents are more likely to influence an adolescent’s career goal (Dietrich & Kracke 2009). Qualitative research discovered that parents allowed their offspring to decide their own career goals (Krace & Noack, 2005). Parents, who engaged in their offspring’s career ambitions, also advised their adolescent to expand their career interests. However, Young & Valach et al (2001) discovered that certain parents tended to force their offspring to abide by their own ideal career interests.

Qualitative literature has suggested that career preparation is also a contributing factor to the development of career goals. Findings obtained from a longitudinal study, clarify that career planning is increased during adolescence, however, this continues to decrease during late adulthood (Stringer, Kerpelman &

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