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Promoting Purpose in Education & Career Development

December 11, 3:00 PM - 3:30 PM Bryan Dik | Colorado State University and jobZology

Summit Stage Recording

About the Speaker

Bryan Dik PhD Professor of Psychology, Colorado State University; Cofounder and Chief Science Officer jobZology®

Author of Make Your Job a Calling and Redeeming Work

The Story

A little about my own journey...

As an undergrad, undecided and frustrated
Many interests, but lacking in purpose
Ultimately, called to investigate callings

The Why

A new science of purposeful work has emerged.

Students who perceive a purpose:

More confident, satisfied, and experience more meaning than other students.
Happier and experience greater meaning in life
These "intermediate outcomes" translate into target outcomes such as performance (GPA), retention, graduation, and job search success.

What's Next

The Goal: Foster a sense of purpose among students

Fit. Help students identify their gifts (interests, values, etc.) and connect them to pathways (career paths, training programs) that fit their unique profiles.
Integrate. Help students connect their educational and career activity with a broader sense of purpose in life.
Connect. Help students grow and leverage social support.

Call to Action

The How: Tools and Strategies to Facilitate Purpose

Provide valid information about gifts to guide informed decision-making (e.g., online assessment systems).
Promote active engagement via evidence-based activities from research on career interventions (e.g., expressive writing exercises, goal-setting, accurate occupational information)
Build support (e.g., "personal board of directors").

Closing Thoughts

The Future: Purposeful Engagement in a Changing World of Work

Change is a given
Purpose transcends job titles and provides coherence, motivation, and meaning

Thank you!

[email protected]

What will you do with what you just learned?

"You can design today for tomorrow, or you can design tomorrow, today."

BeyondAcademics.com