Career Theories and Models at Work: Ideas for Practice

Who needs theory? Who uses it? How does it apply to practice? These are questions commonly posed by students and practitioners in the field of career development. In order to effectively serve our clients and the public, career practitioners need to be equipped with the latest theories and models in the field. Ethical career practice requires practitioners to be up-to-date with their knowledge about theory and how theory informs practice.

This project involves the development of an edited collection that will bring together the latest and most promising theories and models of career counselling and career management in a reader-friendly format. The edited collection is targeted specifically at practitioners and those entering the field to provide a practical resource for connecting theory with practice. The format of the chapters will provide an overview of the theory or model, a case study and analysis, and practice notes and strategies.

The project is led by Dr Nancy Arthur from the University of Calgary, in collaboration with Dr Roberta Neault, Life Strategies, and Dr Mary McMahon, The University of Queensland (Australia). The project will include chapter contributions of authors from Canada and several other countries. Featured authors will include the original people who developed theories and models and those who have adapted the work in unique ways to inform career development practices.

The objectives of the project are:

1. To update career practitioners about theories and models of career development and career management;
2. To support practitioners to enhance connections between theory and practice in their intervention planning with clients;
3. To expand practitioners’ international knowledge through access to a contemporary resource that is informed by author perspectives from different countries.