Careers

This entry presents the field of career studies, which deals with the planning and management of careers. Careers can be considered as individual properties, but their management is shared with organizations, and are set within a wider context. Careers form a central part of not only working life but whole-life for most people, and reaching career success would be reflected in general accomplishment and satisfaction with life in general. The entry covers the main theories and concepts that feature in the literature, exploring the individual, organizational and society level of analysis. Individual related concepts are presented alongside system perspective, pointing out the critical role of careers, how it relates to well being and to employability, bearing in mind contemporary developments. I also cover the practical point of how organizations plan and manage the careers of their employees.