Preparing university graduates for sustainable careers: qualitative insights from the UK

Donald, William E., Jakubik, Maria and Nimmi, P.M. (2023) Preparing university graduates for sustainable careers: qualitative insights from the UK. In, Donald, William E. (ed.) Handbook of Research on Sustainable Career Ecosystems for University Students and Graduates. IGI Global, pp. 320-341. (doi:10.4018/978-1-6684-7442-6.ch017).

Abstract

This chapter aims to understand how graduates believe the future of work will evolve concerning demands and resources from early careers talent and organizations, and subsequently, what steps can be taken to enhance the career readiness of individuals undertaking the university-to-work transition. Twenty-eight university graduates participated in semi-structured interviews whereby 15 graduated in 2008 during the global financial crisis, and thirteen in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings identified four future of work themes: ‘skill development’, ‘motivation’, ‘career ownership’, and ‘well-being’. Additionally, four themes were identified for how university graduates can be best prepared for sustainable careers: ‘Career awareness’, ‘tailored career support’, ‘industry partnerships’ and ‘additional career support’. Theoretical contribution comes from linking the traditional job demands-resources model to sustainable career theory and career shocks. Practical implications come from empirically informed strategies to prepare university graduates for sustainable careers.

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Contributors

Author: William E. Donald

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