Edelman Assignment 4.

1: Career Autobiography, Part 2

1

Assignment 4.1: Career Autobiography, Part 2

RebeccaAnne Edelman
Wake Forest University
CNS 743
11/13/2016

The career theory I chose to conceptualize my own career development is Hanses

Integrative Life Planning (ILP) theory. This is because it includes more cultural influences that

conceptualizes a larger context of the world. I was drawn most to ILP because it can be
Edelman Assignment 4.1: Career Autobiography, Part 2
2
combined with individual counseling, but is also a “new world view for addressing career

development” (Niles, 2013, p.109). The framework for this theory includes many cultural aspects

including spirituality, cultural background, and socioeconomic status.

In this theory there are four assumptions that focus on adult career development. These

four assumptions bring up six tasks that focus on Hansen's emphasis of “social justice, social

change,connectedness, diversity, and spirituality” (Niles, 2013, p.110). As a member of the

Millennial age group, I find this theory easily relatable as it meets many of my social and life

desires. The main being an agent for change; which is why I am in the counseling profession.

These six tasks are:

1. "Finding work that needs doing in changing global concepts": to me this means serving

an active purpose and not just being a worker bee in corporate America.

2. "Weaving our lives into a meaningful whole": for myself this is being an active change

agent in the world and helping as many people as I can.

3. "Connecting family and work": this means finding a happy balance in life. While I

don’t desire children, I do want a healthy relationship with my significant other. This

involves weekend trips, volunteering together, and spending evenings together.

4. "Valuing pluralism and inclusivity”: being an active participant in societal change and

growth is very important to me. As most millennials, I have felt the need to be a part of

social change and justice.

5. "Managing personal transitions and organizational change": currently my main

transitions include graduating and transitioning into a doctoral program in counseling

education. This also includes shifting from becoming my grandmother's caretaker into a

new role of a professional.

Edelman Assignment 4.1: Career Autobiography, Part 2
3
6. "Exploring spirituality and life purpose": this is an element I still struggle with. I am

religious in some aspects but do not always know where I stand with faith. Through ILP I

am able to get a better look at where I stand with my spirituality.

(Niles, 2013, p.110)

With these tasks I am able to confront the tasks that are prevalent in my life such as my

religious value, social needs, family needs, career desires, and managing life transitions. The

reason I chose ILP is because it “seems most useful as a framework for teaching an approach to

life planning that emphasizes connectedness, wholeness, and community” (Niles, 2013, p. 111).

My end goal in life is to be happy with my family, make a positive impact in the world, and have

a larger sense of belonging. This is why ILP works best in my opinion.

Works Cited

Niles, S. G., & Bowlsbey, J. H. (2013). Career Development Interventions in the 21st Century

Student Value Edition (4th ed.). Pearson College Div.