Meaning Making Process through the Career Construction Interview: A Case Study

This study examined (a) what changes career construction counseling used the Career Construction Interview (CCI), integrated with Interpersonal Process Recall (IPR) brought about on the client (b) how the IPR uncovered insights and unspoken inner experiences during career counseling, and (c) how the CCI prompted the solutions for client’s career problem. The study based on a case study with 24 years-old, the fourth-year student in a private university. Findings revealed that (a) examining role models, early recollections and motto during the CCI uncovered self-awareness and insights about the self, career indecision and motivation needed for the vocational future, (b) the IPR revealed values, the role of significant people on career decision process of the client and the need for approval from them, and (c) the CCI contributed the client’s career decision making process, motivation and taking an action. The study verified the use of the CCI and the IPR in career counseling process, theoretically and brought new, dynamic and meaning making methods to career counseling practices in higher education.

Openness to Experience and the Career Adaptability of Refugees: How Do Career Optimism and Family Social Support Matter?

The present study examines the antecedents of the career adaptability of people from a refugee background. Drawing on career construction theory, it specifically examines whether openness to experience fosters career adaptability through enhancing career optimism. In addition, it examines whether family social support moderates the relationship between openness to experience and career optimism, and moderates the mediated relationship between openness to experience and career adaptability through career optimism. Analysis of three waves of data from people from a refugee background seeking employment in metropolitan Australia found support for the hypothesized relationships. In particular, career optimism was found to fully mediate the relationship between openness to experience and career adaptability. In addition, family social support was found to substitute for low levels of openness to experience.