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Building a Career Leveraging Personal Strengths

May 15, 2024

Introduction

Career development is one of the significant challenges in many people's lives. Traditionally, career paths centered around promotions and position changes within an organization. However, in today's work environment, such traditional career paths are not guaranteed. Against this backdrop, the concept of a "protean career," where individuals lead and shape their careers, is gaining attention.

In this article, we will delve into what a protean career is, its historical and cultural background, and methods to shape a protean career. We aim to provide valuable information for those uncertain about their future career direction or those interested in the protean career as a new career form.

What is a Protean Career?

A protean career refers to a self-directed career approach, where individuals shape their careers based on their values and goals. This concept is related to "job crafting," implying shaping one's career[^1^].

The term "protean career" originates from the Greek mythology shape-shifting god "Proteus." This god could change his form at will, and similarly, the protean career emphasizes shaping one's career freely.

This career concept differs from the hierarchical career paths in traditional organizations. It focuses on forming careers based on individual abilities, interests, and values. Therefore, those with a protean career are said to have agency in their careers and can flexibly respond to organizational changes and external environmental fluctuations.

The concept of the protean career was first proposed in 1976 by Douglas T. Hall. During this period, the organizational environment was considered more unpredictable, fluid, and had a narrower tolerance than in the past. Amidst such changes, the importance of individuals leading their careers grew. The protean career approach is deemed highly effective in addressing the changes in today's organizations and work environments. Especially in today's era, where organizational boundaries are becoming ambiguous and career mobility is increasing, this approach is appealing to many.

The Relationship Between Protean Career and Career Success

The protean career approach emphasizes actively shaping one's career. However, how this career approach relates to actual career success is a matter of interest for many.

Recent research suggests that the relationship between a protean career and career success is better understood through the concept of job crafting. According to a study by Alessandro Lo Presti and colleagues[^1^], protean career and job crafting share common characteristics of self-management, proactivity, and emphasis on customization. This research suggests that the relationship between a protean career and career success is mediated through various dimensions of job crafting.

Specifically, individuals with a protean career tend to pursue career success by actively adjusting their job content and environment. This aligns with the concept of job crafting, where adjusting one's job role and environment can enhance career satisfaction and success.

Thus, the protean career approach, as a new method for pursuing career success, can be said to be highly effective in today's work environment.

Leveraging Personal Strengths in Career Development

Career development is not just about individual efforts; the support system around an individual plays a crucial role, as evidenced by numerous studies. Especially in the formation of a protean career, personal efforts such as deepening self-awareness, maintaining flexibility, and networking are essential.

Deepening Self-awareness: By understanding one's strengths, weaknesses, values, and interests, one can find a more appropriate career direction.

Maintaining Flexibility: By responding flexibly to changes in organizations or industries, one can enhance career fluidity.

Networking: Expanding one's network of human relationships can open up new career opportunities.

However, institutional support is indispensable to bolster these efforts.

Career Counseling for University Students:

A study by J. Choi and Youngsun Cho proposed a protean career-oriented career counseling program for university students. This program was designed considering the differences between traditional careers and new career concepts, tailored for modern university students. The program analyzes students' current career perceptions and needs and provides counseling based on that. Through such programs, students were able to clarify their career direction and devise specific action plans.

Career Development for Middle-aged Women:

Research by Hee Jung Lee, Boram Lee, and Hyunju Jeung explored the protean career development process of middle-aged women working as career guidance specialists in elementary or middle schools. This study focused on the career challenges and difficulties faced by middle-aged women and the strategies to overcome them. Specifically, middle-aged women face many challenges, including balancing family and child-rearing, and gender bias in the workplace. However, supportive relationships with colleagues, superiors, and family are emphasized as being crucial. Additionally, institutional support from organizations and the government plays a vital role in the career development of middle-aged women.

As these studies highlight, not just individual efforts, but the support system of organizations and society as a whole is emphasized as being crucial in career development.

Conclusion

The protean career is gaining attention as a new career concept in today's work environment, where individuals lead and shape their careers. Unlike the hierarchical career paths in traditional organizations, the protean career emphasizes forming a career based on individual values and goals.

This concept is related to "job crafting," meaning shaping one's career. Moreover, the name "protean career" originates from the Greek god of transformation, "Proteus," known for his ability to change his form freely.

Given the changes in modern organizations and work environments, especially as organizational boundaries become ambiguous and career fluidity increases, the concept of the protean career is considered highly effective. However, it's essential to remember that not only individual efforts but also the support system of organizations and society as a whole is indispensable for its realization.

For those pondering their future career direction, considering the concept of the protean career to shape their path might be a worthwhile endeavor.

Reference

Hall, D. T. (1976). Careers in Organizations. Goodyear Publishing Company.

Alessandro Lo Presti, B. I. Van der Heijden, J. Briscoe, Assunta De Rosa. “Crafting your own success”: a time-lagged study on the mediating role of job crafting dimensions in the relationship between protean career and career success. 2023.

https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/CDI-08-2022-0220/full/html

Jieun Choi, Youngsun Cho. "Development of a Protean Career Orientation Counseling Program for College Students." Journal of Learner-Centered Curriculum and Instruction, Vol. 22, No. 14, 2022, pp. 537-558. DOI: 10.22251/jlcci.2022.22.14.537.

https://scholar.kyobobook.co.kr/article/detail/4010036713993

Hee Jung Lee, Boram Lee, Hyunju Jeung. "The Protean Career Development Process of Middle-aged Women Career Guidance Specialists in Elementary and Middle Schools." Journal of Career and Technical Education Research, 2020.

https://scholar.kyobobook.co.kr/article/detail/4010036713993

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