Presented By: Jennifer Soma

Dr. Cris Wildermuth ENTER PRESENTER’S PICTURE OR AVATAR

 Predictable › Area of study › Chosen profession › Longevity with employer  Traditional Career Planning › Trait and Factor Approach

 2% of adult population is working in their originally intended career. (Krumboltz & Levin, 2010)  A majority of adults believe that chance events – or happenstance – has played a role in their careers. (Betsworth & Hansen, 1996)

 Chance Events  Unplanned or Unexpected Occurrences  Serendipity  Luck

 Uncertainty  Change  Globalization  Downsizing  Technology  Increased Diversity

 Developed by John Krumboltz in 2010  Numerous learning experiences emerge from both planned and unplanned situations that impact the careers of individuals

These learning experiences can generate and/or influence:  New skills  Interests  Knowledge  Relationships  Beliefs  Preferences  Emotions  Future Actions

 Purpose: To explore the role that happenstance has played in the careers of professional women and to identify best practices for incorporating the Happenstance Learning Theory into career planning  Population and Sample: › Five professional women  Attended Drake University  Minimum of 10 years of professional work experience  Live and/or work in the Des Moines metro area  Held more than one job during their career

 Research Design: › Qualitative Exploratory Case Study › Interviews and Memos  Research Questions: › How has happenstance played a role in the careers of professional women? › How can the Happenstance Learning Theory be incorporated into career planning for professional women?

Chance Factors that Impacted Career

Avocational

Awareness/Recognition

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“Planful Serendipity” (Watts, 1996)

Traditional Career PlanningHappenstance  Interests  Abilities  Chosen Area of Study  Chosen Industry  Chosen Profession  Actions: Risk-Taking Networking Learning/Development Involvement – Volunteering & Hobbies  Attitudes/Skills: Open-Mindedness Optimism Flexibility Awareness Communications Motivation Perseverance Self-Confidence