Design and evaluation of a short course to address the career related preoccupations, concerns and issues of adults from mid-life onwards

Abstract

This study examines a range of development and narrative career theories that illuminate the career related preoccupations, concerns and issues of adults from mid-life onwards. Using themes identified in the literature, this article also details an innovative short course design, which contains a framework and set of exercises that enable individual adults to resolve their unique career conundrums. Using an action research approach, the evaluation explores participants’ response to the course and provides recommendations for the future. It is anticipated that the outcomes of this project will be useful to career practitioners working with groups of adults and career services wishing to strengthen their offering to older clients.