Graduating in a pandemic without safety nets: the role of career competencies for sustainable start to careers

This research examines the role of career competencies (as crucial career resources relevant for career self-regulation) for sustainable (i.e., happy, healthy and productive) start to graduate careers. Of particular interest is the efficacy of career competencies for university leavers who may not have financial and psychological resources / safety nets at the height of the pandemic, in 2020. The analyses are informed by a longitudinal study of 2020 UK university leavers (N=181). Findings show (i) how self-regulation of careers operates differently depending on one’s psychological and financial safety nets; (ii) career self-regulation may work best under ‘average’ psychological and financial conditions; and (iii) career competencies may be best understood in relation to psychological and financial costs. Building on a significant career shock that was the COVID-19 for most university leavers of 2020, the findings highlight the interplay between an individual’s career resources and their psychological environment.