Careers and Freedom: A new perspective on career development – Book Launch and Author Q&A

Description

Drawing on the Capability Approach developed by Amartya Sen, Careers and Freedom presents a new way of understanding careers and career development. Author Pete Robertson brings together insights from career theory, systems thinking, economics, philosophy and politics to explore how freedom shapes people’s career choices, opportunities and life outcomes.

At this book launch event, attendees will discover how a focus on freedom can enhance career development practice and help individuals make informed decisions that support their wellbeing and aspirations. The discussion will examine the complex systems that influence careers and introduce a practical framework for understanding how career professionals can support people more effectively in an increasingly uncertain world.

Whether you are a practitioner, researcher, educator or policymaker, this event offers an opportunity to engage with a thought-provoking perspective that has the potential to reshape how we understand careers, opportunity and human flourishing.

Key learning outcomes:

1. Understand how the concept of freedom can be used as a lens for understanding careers and career development.
2. Explore the implications of the Capability Approach for career guidance, social justice and individual wellbeing.
3. Identify practical ways to apply systems thinking and freedom-centred approaches within career development practice, research and policy.

Audience:

Careers consultants, employability practitioners, academics, researchers, PhD researchers, undergraduate and postgraduate students, university librarians, higher education and further education staff, school and college leaders, coaches and mentors, HR professionals, organisational development specialists, policymakers, and anyone interested in career theory, social justice, wellbeing and the future of work.

Author Bio:

Pete Robertson is Professor of Career Guidance at Edinburgh Napier University in Scotland. He teaches career theory, policy and professionalism to trainee guidance practitioners. He has worked in the career guidance field since 1987 as a practitioner, educator and researcher.