It's All About CareerSKILLS: Effectiveness of a Career Development Intervention for Young Employees

Abstract

The aim of our study was to investigate the effectiveness of the CareerSKILLS program, a career development intervention based on career competencies and the JOBS methodology, which aims to stimulate career self-management and well-being of young employees. In a quasi-randomized control trial, the effects of the program were tested in a homogeneous sample of young employees with intermediate vocational education (Nintervention = 112, Nnon-intervention = 61) and in a heterogeneous sample of employees from a special reintegration program (Nintervention = 71, Nnon-intervention = 41). Our results support the effectiveness of the intervention: participants of the CareerSKILLS program, versus a control group, showed increases in six career competencies (refl ection of motivation, refl ection on qualities, networking, self-profi ling, work exploration, and career control), self-effi cacy, resilience against setbacks, careerrelated behaviors, perceived employability, and work engagement. These results provide empirical support for the effectiveness of the CareerSKILLS program. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.