Identity, Meaning, and Subjectivity in Career Development: Evolving Perspectives in Human Resources

This book closely interrogates the construct of identity and the role it plays in career development. It provides guidance for HRD practitioners and researchers who create career development programs through a typology of different categories of identity, such as demographics, life events, and career histories.

The book presents a framework for considering and addressing career development from a critically reflective perspective of identity as a result of choice, chance, and adaptation. It offers a comprehensive understanding and awareness of tacit, nuanced, and stigmatized issues that were once shameful but have now become more socially acceptable. As a result, HRD practitioners can design programs and resources that have a richness and relevance that might heretofore be lacking. The book also offers guidance for individuals as they take charge of their own identities and career trajectories in an increasingly complex and unpredictable working environment.

Julie Gedro is Associate Dean and Professor of Business at SUNY Empire State College. Dr. Gedro’s research and teaching focuses on human resource management and development. She has designed and developed coursework that embraces a variety of teaching and learning modalities including online and blended models and is the co-designer and coordinator of Empire State College’s first undergraduate certificate in Business and Environmental Sustainability (which is available through OPEN SUNY). Dr. Gedro’s work has been recognized at Empire State College with the Jane Altes Prize for Outstanding Community Service and the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Scholarship and Creative Activities. Her work on identity and career development was recognized with the Academy of Human Resource Management’s Cutting Edge Award. Dr. Gedro is the President-Elect of the Academy for Human Resource Development.