Career Adaptability: The Hidden Secret to Career Success

In today's rapidly evolving job market, being adaptable is more than a nice-to-have skill; it's an absolute necessity. Recent research from the renowned University of Bern suggests that career adaptability (CA) - the ability to adjust to the rapidly changing landscape of the workforce - is a key factor in identifying subjective success in one's career (Haenggli & Hirschi, 2020). 

This idea aligns perfectly with Career Construction Theory (CCT), a psychological framework that underlines the influence of an individual's subjective experience and the surrounding social and cultural context in shaping their career path. According to CCT, identifying subjective career success goes beyond the traditional metrics of salary or promotion; it's about how one defines their success in work life.  

A deeper understanding of career adaptability allows students to view their career progression through a unique lens. Researchers at the University of Giessen in Germany have shown a strong correlation between career adaptability and career proactivity among students (Klehe et al., 2021). This isn't an isolated event, but a cycle. As students' career adaptability and proactivity increase, so too does their confidence in their chosen career path.  

The takeaway? Success in today’s career landscape isn't just about landing a high-paying job or securing a promotion. It's about developing adaptable skills, understanding different career trajectories, and actively engaging in shaping one's career path. Confidence grows out of this process. By helping students build their capacity for adaptability and proactivity, we're not just preparing them for a career - we're preparing them for a successful and fulfilling career on their own terms.  

In essence, career adaptability is more than just a valuable skill. It’s a transformative process that can unlock the pathway to true career satisfaction and success.

References 

Haenggli, M., & Hirschi, A. (2020). Career adaptability and career success in the context of a broader career resources framework. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 119, 103414. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvb.2020.103414

Klehe, U.-C., Fasbender, U., & van der Horst, A. (2021). Going full circle: Integrating research on career adaptation and proactivity. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 126, 103526. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvb.2020.103526