Who's in Charge?  A Career Development Practice Perspective in the ‘New Career’ Era

Recent career development research and literature depicts a changing landscape. There are questions about the extent to which individuals now largely own and control their career development pathways with a much-reduced role for the organization. This background provides the context for the story of one individual’s career development over a period of 14 years. Leaving school at 16 with GCSEs but little career focus a chance event three years later kick starts career development in a large international organization. Subsequently, and of some real importance, is the decision - with organizational support - to undertake a work-related Masters. The interplay between Masters based learning, work, and organizational progression provides a valuable, context specific, insight into career development practice.