The career perceptions of educational psychology students and professionals : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Educational Psychology at Massey University, Albany, New Zealand

Abstract

Contemporary career literature indicates that careers are becoming less traditional. Two new careers concepts are that of the boundaryless and protean career orientations. Career adaptability is also essential for individuals to maintain personal flexibility and the ability to cope. The current study used an online survey to investigate whether or not these new concepts of career applied to educational psychology students and practicing educational psychologists. Quantitative results from the survey indicated that both students and professionals held boundaryless and protean attitudes. Late-career psychologists and psychologists working outside the Ministry of Education held more boundaryless attitudes. A high degree of career adaptability was also found, especially in terms of career agency, and with students reporting higher levels of perceived support than did professionals. Quantitative data from the survey were consistent with these findings. Overall, it appeared that participants combined contemporary career attitudes with aspects of the traditional career. They understood the hierarchical opportunities available to them but also favoured innovative new endeavours.