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Case studies of voluntary mid-life career transition of community college students
Abstract
Rapidly changing technology as well as organizational and individual changes mean that a single career for an adult's lifetime is the exception rather than the rule. Career change is a reality in today's economy. Little is known about career change, especially in the mid-life years. The research has focused on middle class male subjects. Therefore this study drew participants from an urban community college, where individuals in lower prestige careers received training, and where individuals from lower socioeconomic classes, women, and minority individuals were disproportionately represented. The study focused on understanding the career transition process. This was a multiple case study of career transition within a single geographic setting. It was an investigation of career transition for eight purposefully selected participants, in the age range of 35 to 45 and enrolled in vocational programs. It examined the current career change process of each participant and developed a cross-case analysis of how and why career changes were made and what types of assistance were needed during the transitions. The students did not view their present jobs as "careers", but considered the new occupations they were pursuing to be "careers". They had regrets about waiting until mid-life to begin "careers" and had fears about making the changes. They hoped for greater security, an opportunity for service, a greater personal challenge, and increased happiness from their career changes. Factors leading to career change were experiences in previous jobs, various non-vocational experiences, family relationships, physical limitations, and sociological factors which forced individuals into career change. The challenges students faced during their career transitions included: finances; lack of time; difficulties with classes; and problems making changes, obtaining a new job, making decisions, overcoming negative previous educational experiences, and dealing with the college system. The resources students used to assist in career transition were personal resources; support of family and friends; and institutional services, especially instructors, financial aid services, the learning center, and the counseling office.
Subject Area
Adult education|Continuing education|Academic guidance counseling|Community colleges
Recommended Citation
Vanderveen, Lavona Smith, "Case studies of voluntary mid-life career transition of community college students" (1994). ETD collection for University of Nebraska-Lincoln. AAI9430179.
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/dissertations/AAI9430179