Navigating Career Transitions: Early Development, Alternative Paths, and Late-Career Perspective
Willhardt, G., Wehrle, K., Kira, M., Klehe, U.-C., Schäfer, M., Nye, J., Jones, E. B., Hymer, C., Mansoori, S., Zikic, J., Harris, A., Davenport, M., Fasbender, U., & De Vos, A. (2024), Navigating career transitions: Early development, alternative paths, and late-career perspective. Proceedings of the Academy of Management, 2024(1). https://doi.org/10.5465/AMPROC.2024.17004symposium
Abstract:
Successful career transitions are crucial for overall career quality but are complex and challenging. Workers must repeatedly navigate these transitions throughout their careers, from school to work to retirement. While existing research offers insights into managing career transitions, we lack knowledge about what influences workers’ career choices and experiences during these transitions. This symposium examined key career stages, including school-to-work transitions, shifts to alternative careers seeking fulfillment, and the late career stage and retirement. We explored how workers develop their careers, make choices that align with their identities and values, and navigate new and difficult transitions. Our goal was to enhance understanding of career transitions and provide a comprehensive view of workers’ career journeys. The symposium featured five presentations from research groups representing Universities of Giessen and Hohenheim (Germany), York University (Canada), and Universities of Michigan, Tennessee, and North Carolina, and the U.S. Coast Guard Academy (U.S.A.). Discussant remarks were given by Prof. Ans De Vos, University of Antwerp, Belgium.