Constructing a conceptual network in the domain of career development

Abstract

Our study aims to contribute to the interpretation of certain concepts related to career building and career orientation. We review 27 selected concepts and the most important relevant literature sources. We propose definitions for the concepts that fit closely together and form a unified logical system. The definitions reflect the approach of lifelong guidance and facilitate its application. The definitions also include some novel concepts, which owe their existence to the pursuit of logical completeness. The conceptual network includes concepts such as career path, career stage, career stage activity, milestone, well-founded career stage decision, career-building potential, career maturity, career interest, career orientation, career field, career direction, career orientation, career orientation activity, career counselling, transition, career knowledge, self-knowledge, career cycle, career choice, recruitment, career choice maturity, career building, career building competence, career correction, career continuation, career education. The whole construction can be considered novel, and its structure can be modeled with a network (directed graph). This method of concept formation and concept connection reflects the approach typical of the natural sciences. The study shows that it is possible to create such a conceptual network in this field as well. The range of definitions described can be further expanded in the same approach, especially with regard to actors, for example. Although the directions of concept formation are strongly limited by object logic and close connections, experts formulating definitions may enjoy a certain degree of freedom with regard to certain details. Therefore, several slightly different conceptual networks may emerge in the same field.

Keywords: career orientation, lifelong guidance, career building, conceptual network