Selection Processes and Vocational Development: A Multi-Method Approach

In this chapter, we use prospective data collected at ages 18, 24, and 25 to classify individuals into career aspiration groups labeled “overselection,” “underselection,” or “one-change.” Representatives from each group were interviewed at age 27. Themes related to selection, optimization, and compensation (SOC) metatheory (Freund & Baltes, 1998), work commitment, and the stressful character of vocational development were compared across groups. Overselection and one-change groups were somewhat advantaged in the education and career arenas when compared to others. Findings indicated goal setting is associated with more positive outcomes within the career domain and selection is an important component of the SOC process at this time of life.