Career growth in today’s dynamic world is influenced by two significant factors that shape professional development and career outcomes: higher perceptions and career control. These insights are drawn from an enlightening paper by Erik Bean, Ed.D., titled “Higher Perceptions and the Psychological Importance of Career Control in Determining Career Outcomes.“
The Impact of Higher Perceptions on Professional Development
Higher perceptions refer to an individual’s subjective beliefs about their abilities, potential for success, and self-efficacy. According to Bean, these perceptions play a vital role in shaping an individual’s professional development. Drawing from Bandura’s social cognitive theory, Bean posits that individuals with high self-efficacy beliefs are more likely to engage in proactive behavior and persevere in the face of obstacles.
Moreover, higher perceptions are positively related to career adaptability, career satisfaction, and career commitment. In essence, the way we perceive ourselves and our abilities can significantly influence our professional development and career outcomes.
The Role of Career Control in Professional Development
Career control, on the other hand, refers to an individual’s ability to manage and direct their career development. Bean’s paper highlights that individuals who take an active role in managing their careers tend to have better career outcomes than those who do not.
Individuals who perceive high levels of control over their careers tend to experience higher levels of job satisfaction, organizational commitment, and career success. The sense of control over one’s career path can also lead to better mental health outcomes.
The Interplay Between Perceptions and Control in Professional Development
Interestingly, Bean’s paper reveals an interaction between higher perceptions and career control. Individuals with higher perceptions tend to have a more significant sense of career control. This interplay suggests that our beliefs about ourselves can influence the level of control we feel we have over our professional development.
Psychological Importance of Career Control
Career control is not just about career success; it’s also about psychological well-being. It satisfies the autonomy and competence needs of individuals, leading to greater job satisfaction and career success. In times of uncertainty, such as during a global pandemic, having control over one’s professional development can provide significant psychological benefits.
Navigating Your Professional Development Journey
So, how can individuals maintain or regain control over their professional development in these changing times? Bean suggests two strategies: developing a strong sense of personal agency and engaging in career planning. Personal agency refers to individuals’ beliefs in their ability to actively influence their environment. Career planning involves setting goals and developing a plan of action to achieve those goals.
Resources for Professional Development
The paper also provides a list of free resources available on the internet for professional development. These include CareerOneStop, O*NET Online, MyNextMove, LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, Glassdoor, Indeed Career Guide, The Muse, and CareerBuilder. These resources can be extremely helpful for individuals looking to explore potential careers, assess their skills and interests, and develop the skills and knowledge needed for their chosen profession.
In conclusion, the journey to professional development and career success is a personal and ongoing process. It requires a strong sense of self, a proactive approach, and the ability to adapt and control one’s career path. As we navigate through our professional development journeys, let’s remember the wise words of Benjamin Franklin, “Never leave that till tomorrow which you can do today.”
