Presented By: Jennifer Soma
Dr. Cris Wildermuth
ENTER PRESENTER’S
PICTURE OR AVATAR
The Former World of Work…

Predictable
› Area of study
› Chosen profession
› Longevity with employer

Traditional Career Planning
› Trait and Factor Approach
Compelling Statistics:

2% of adult population is working in their
originally intended career.
(Krumboltz & Levin, 2010)

A majority of adults believe that chance
events – or happenstance – has played
a role in their careers.
(Betsworth & Hansen, 1996)
What is Happenstance?
Chance Events
 Unplanned or Unexpected
Occurrences
 Serendipity
 Luck

Current World of Work

Uncertainty

Change

Globalization

Downsizing

Technology

Increased Diversity
Happenstance Learning
Theory

Developed by John Krumboltz in 2010

Numerous learning experiences emerge
from both planned and unplanned
situations that impact the careers of
individuals
These learning
experiences
can generate
and/or
influence:








New skills
Interests
Knowledge
Relationships
Beliefs
Preferences
Emotions
Future Actions
Research Study

Purpose:
To explore the role that happenstance has
played in the careers of professional women
and to identify best practices for incorporating
the Happenstance Learning Theory into career
planning

Population and Sample:
› Five professional women
 Attended Drake University
 Minimum of 10 years of professional work experience
 Live and/or work in the Des Moines metro area
 Held more than one job during their career
Research Study

Research Design:
› Qualitative Exploratory Case Study
› Interviews and Memos

Research Questions:
› How has happenstance played a role in the
careers of professional women?
› How can the Happenstance Learning Theory
be incorporated into career planning for
professional women?
Interview Themes
Chance Factors that Impacted Career
People
• Networking
• Mentors
• Assistance from others
Interview Themes
Chance Factors that Impacted Career
Formal
Education
Skill
Development
Informal
Education
Interview Themes
Chance Factors that Impacted Career
Readiness Factors and Skills
•Awareness
•Flexibility
•Open-mindedness
•Perseverance/Persistence
•Risk-Taking
•Intuition
•Self-confidence
•Optimism
•Active
Lifestyles
Interview Themes
Chance Factors that Impacted Career
Avocational
Volunteering
Groups
Committees
Hobbies
Creating and Capitalizing on
Happenstance…
Awareness/Recognition
Creating and Capitalizing on
Happenstance…
Take Action!
“Planful Serendipity”
(Watts, 1996)
Career by Planning and
Happenstance Model
Traditional Career Planning
Interests
Abilities
Chosen
Area of Study
Chosen
Industry
Chosen
Profession
Happenstance
Actions:
Risk-Taking
Networking
Learning/Development
Involvement – Volunteering & Hobbies
Attitudes/Skills:
Open-Mindedness
Optimism
Flexibility
Awareness
Communications
Motivation
Perseverance
Self-Confidence