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!
What will you do with what you just learned?
"You can design today for tomorrow, or you can design tomorrow, today."
