In their recent article, co-authors Elizabeth Houldsworth, Andrea Tresidder, and Tatiana Rowson delve into the concept of career capital development and how it is experienced by MBA alumni. This topic is particularly relevant in today’s fast-paced and competitive job market, where individuals are constantly seeking ways to enhance their skills and advance their careers. I had the opportunity to sit down with the authors and ask them a few questions about the inspiration behind their research and what they hope readers will take away from their findings.
Q: What inspired you to write about career capital development?
A: Our inspiration for this article came from our own experiences as MBA alumni and our observations of the post-MBA career trajectories of our classmates. We noticed that some individuals seemed to have a significant advantage in their career progression, even though they may have had similar academic backgrounds and qualifications. This led us to explore the concept of career capital and how it is developed and utilized by MBA alumni.
Q: Can you explain what career capital is and why it is important?
A: Career capital refers to the combination of skills, knowledge, experiences, and relationships that an individual possesses and can leverage for career advancement. It is essentially an individual’s personal assets that contribute to their professional success. In today’s competitive job market, having a strong and diverse set of career capital is crucial for individuals to stand out and achieve their career goals.
Q: What did your research uncover about career capital development among MBA alumni?
A: Through our research, we found that there are two main approaches to career capital development among MBA alumni – the ‘with you’ and ‘without you’ approach. The ‘with you’ approach involves leveraging the resources and support of others, such as mentors, networks, and organizational resources, to develop career capital. On the other hand, the ‘without you’ approach focuses on self-directed efforts, such as self-learning, taking on new challenges, and seeking feedback, to develop career capital.
Q: How does the development of career capital impact career success?
A: Our research showed that both the ‘with you’ and ‘without you’ approaches to career capital development are important for career success. However, the key is finding the right balance between the two. Individuals who were able to effectively combine these approaches were more likely to have a stronger and more diverse set of career capital, which ultimately led to better career outcomes.
Q: What advice do you have for MBA alumni or professionals looking to enhance their career capital?
A: Our advice would be to take a proactive approach to career capital development. This means actively seeking out opportunities for self-learning, building relationships and networks, and seeking feedback to improve. It is also important to find a balance between leveraging the resources and support of others and taking ownership of your own development. Additionally, being open to new experiences and challenges can also greatly contribute to the development of career capital.
Q: What do you hope readers will take away from your article?
A: We hope readers will gain a better understanding of the concept of career capital and its importance in career development. We also hope to inspire individuals to take a more strategic and proactive approach to developing their career capital, as this can greatly enhance their career success. Ultimately, our goal is to provide practical insights and advice for MBA alumni and professionals looking to advance their careers.
In conclusion, the research conducted by Elizabeth Houldsworth, Andrea Tresidder, and Tatiana Rowson sheds light on the concept of career capital development and its impact on career success. By understanding the ‘with you’ and ‘without you’ approaches to career capital development, individuals can take a more strategic and proactive approach to enhancing their skills and advancing their careers. We hope this article serves as a valuable resource for MBA alumni and professionals looking to achieve their career goals.
