Career Development Theory

Eli Ginzberg

Ginzberg was born on April 30, 1911, in

New York City, where he grew up just
few blocks from the University

Eli Ginzberg was born in New York City,

the son of prominent rabbi Louis
Ginzberg and the former Adele
Katzenstein
Career Development Theory
Eli Ginzberg
Ginzberg earned the AB, AM and PhD
from Columbia University in 1931, 1932
and 1935 respectively.

Ginzberg published at least 179 books

and hundreds of articles, which may be
categorized into six major themes.
• History of Economic Thought

• Labor Economics • Industrial Organization

• Race and Economics • Health Economics

• Autobiography and Biography

Career Development Theory
Eli Ginzberg

Career development is a long-term

process.
Career Development Theory
Eli Ginzberg

Career development is a long-term

process.

Education
Goals Vision

Career

Values Skills
Interests
Career Development Theory
Eli Ginzberg

This research led to the publication of

occupational Choice: An Approach to a
General Theory. Ginzberg believed
studying the privileged would reveal the
processes by which individuals choose
careers, from early childhood to early
adulthood
Career Development Theory
Periods of Career Development
Fantasy (childhood, up to age 11)

Tentative (adolescence, 11 to 17)

Realistic (adulthood, 17 to 20s)
Career Development Theory
Periods of Career Development
Fantasy (childhood, up to age 11)
Career Development Theory
Periods of Career Development
Tentative (adolescence, 11 to 17)
From 11 to 17 years of age, adolescent children are able to better focus
on, and recognize, work requirements. There are four stages in this
period.
• Interest – children learn likes and dislikes
• Capacity – the child learns how much her abilities align with her
interests
• Values – sees the child at 15 become aware of how work may fulfill
her values
• Transition – the individual assumes responsibility for her own actions,
becomes independent and exercises her freedom of choice
Career Development Theory
Periods of Career Development

• Interest – children learn likes and dislikes

Career Development Theory
Periods of Career Development

• Interest – children learn likes and dislikes

Career Development Theory
Periods of Career Development
Tentative (adolescence, 11 to 17)
From 11 to 17 years of age, adolescent children are able to better focus
on, and recognize, work requirements. There are four stages in this
period.
• Interest – children learn likes and dislikes
• Capacity – the child learns how much her abilities align with her
interests
• Values – sees the child at 15 become aware of how work may fulfill
her values
• Transition – the individual assumes responsibility for her own actions,
becomes independent and exercises her freedom of choice
Career Development Theory
Periods of Career Development

• Capacity – the child learns how much her abilities align with her
interests
Career Development Theory
Periods of Career Development
Tentative (adolescence, 11 to 17)
From 11 to 17 years of age, adolescent children are able to better focus
on, and recognize, work requirements. There are four stages in this
period.
• Interest – children learn likes and dislikes
• Capacity – the child learns how much her abilities align with her
interests
• Values – sees the child at 15 become aware of how work may fulfill
her values
• Transition – the individual assumes responsibility for her own actions,
becomes independent and exercises her freedom of choice
Career Development Theory
Periods of Career Development

• Values – sees the child at 15 become aware of how work may fulfill
her values
Career Development Theory
Periods of Career Development
Tentative (adolescence, 11 to 17)
From 11 to 17 years of age, adolescent children are able to better focus
on, and recognize, work requirements. There are four stages in this
period.
• Interest – children learn likes and dislikes
• Capacity – the child learns how much her abilities align with her
interests
• Values – sees the child at 15 become aware of how work may fulfill
her values
• Transition – the individual assumes responsibility for her own actions,
becomes independent and exercises her freedom of choice
Career Development Theory
Periods of Career Development

• Transition – the individual assumes responsibility for her own actions,

becomes independent and exercises her freedom of choice
Career Development Theory
Periods of Career Development
Realistic (adulthood, 17 to 20s)
The realistic period begins at age 17 and goes into the early 20s. During
this stage, the person establishes alternative paths in her work life, or a
“backup plan.” Throughout this three stage period, he/she will develop
personal values and begin to zero in on his/her optimal career choice.

• Exploration – the individual choose his/her career path but remains open to
other opportunities

• Crystallization – when he/she becomes more engrossed in a particular career,

committing to one direction more than he/she ever has

• Specification – he/she commits to or develops a preference for a specific area

of his/her occupation