Ready for Change: Adaptation and Development in Dynamic Vocational Contexts: Examples from University Students and Entrepreneurs

The current dissertation investigates how individuals deal with the challenges that come with operating in dynamic vocational contexts using the examples of university students and entrepreneurs. While students need to become agents for their career development to master entry into the work sphere, entrepreneurs must independently maneuver their business through the shallows of experimentation and failure. Dynamic work contexts are characterized by instability, uncertainty, turbulence, and challenges and opportunities for change. Although university students and entrepreneurs operate in different professional environments, they share some challenges and threats associated with vocational contexts that demand adaptation to current and expected changes. Students live in a state of relative uncertainty because they need to enter an unknown domain — the world of work — in the immediate future. Exploring available career options and finding out how they fit with their personalities, values, and goals may be a problematic endeavor associated with unfulfilled expectations and frustration. Entrepreneurs are strongly influenced by the dynamic nature of their work contexts. They do not only have to deal with anticipated change but also manage setbacks and learn from their mistakes to be successful.This fast-paced environment, combined with the associated risk of investments, makes the entrepreneurial job particularly turbulent. This dissertation aims to provide a multifaceted view of dynamic work contexts, associated challenges and threats, and the mechanisms that foster growth and development.