by TESSA McCREDIE and ALAN McALPINE  

Often the current discourse in higher education focuses heavily on employability and Work Integrated Learning (WIL). While it is critical to understand the relationship between the two, it is imperative to understand also where career development fits in the discussion and that the terms are not interchangeable.

Employability is not simply a new way of referring to career development. The evidence across the literature demonstrates that successful career development requires increased career self-management and occupational self-concept focused importantly on being self-directed, values-driven, and flexible. Career development is the ‘process of managing life, learning and work over the lifespan’ (CICA); a process that is both complex and unique as an individual brings their skills, values, interests and life experiences to bear.

Employability and WIL sit under the broad umbrella of career development and career development learning. Employability is the relatively linear acquisition of capabilities in the suitcase of tools an individual uses along the career development journey. An individual may know how to write a resume or be skilled at scanning the labour market for employment opportunities. However, if the individual does not employ career adaptability, proactive attitudes and behaviours, and adopt optimistic mindsets, these employability skills can be ineffectual. Career development turns these employability capabilities into meaningful career directions or outcomes, and support finding meaning in work.

WIL is the practical work application of skills and knowledge within an authentic work context. The planning for, and reflection on, the experience is the career development learning that supports employability within this real-world context. No one would argue the value of work experience (in any of its forms), least not employers. However, the career development learning is a requisite contribution to this value.

Career development cuts across graduate employability, employability and WIL. Career development learning is the refinement of identity, informed decision-making and planning of life and careers, fundamental for informing the design, delivery and pedagogical approach to employability and WIL in higher education.

Tessa McCredie – Interim Director (Student Success and Wellbeing), University of Southern Queensland [email protected] (National President – NAGCAS)

Alan McAlpine – Deputy Director, Student Experience (Student Success), Curtin University [email protected] (NAGCAS Representative on CICA council)