Managing uncertainty in the career development of emerging adults: Implications for undergraduate students

Abstract

As an increasing number of emerging adults enter university as undergraduate students, and the relationship between higher education and the graduate employment market becomes ever more interconnected, it is critical to examine how this population can navigate their career development effectively in today's ever-changing world. This paper draws attention to the influence of uncertainty on the career development of emerging adults as undergraduate students. Three critical challenges that are related to uncertainty are examined, including: (a) ambiguity in the external environment; (b) inadequate management of uncertainty due to executive function deficits; and (c) mental health implications – specifically, anxiety—that arise from uncertainty. Then, I address these challenges with three postmodern career development approaches and their related interventions, including the Chaos Theory of Careers, the narrative approach, and the spiritual approach.