Career adaptability among University students: A study through autobiographical interviews

Abstract

This research reports a qualitative case study in which university students' career paths are analyzed through autobiographical interviews. Seventeen graduates of pedagogic sciences and business administration and management were selected. Our aim was to analyze the students' adaptabilities and resources to cope with and adapt to changes during their transition processes. A deductive analysis of career adaptability was conducted. The dimensions proposed by Savickas and Porfely (2012) were carried out in order to assess adaptability: Curiosity, Control, Confidence and Concern. The results support the contribution of qualitative and narrative research in the study of transitions and career adaptability. The discussion focuses on the different presence of the four dimensions in each case and justifies the need of developing narrative career interventions at university.