The positive side of career barriers : Perceived difficulties in career can motivate career engagement

University students who report more barriers in their career development (e.g., lack of support, unfavorable labor market) are more engaged in proactive career behaviors, such as networking or career exploration, according to a German study. However, the positive effect of career barriers only emerged when students also had high confidence in their abilities to master challenges at work. The results suggest that barriers combined with confidence can spur engagement in career development.

Journal of Vocational Behavior

Career engagement during university leads to more job and career satisfaction after graduation

University students who are more active in their self-directed career management report higher job and career satisfaction in their jobs several months after graduation, according to a German study. If students remain passive regarding their career while at university they have a higher change of landing in less satisfying jobs.

Journal of Career Assessment