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Social Cognitive Career Theory, a unified theory developed in 1994 by Robert Lent, Steven Brown and Gail Hackett based on Albert Bandura’s influential social cognitive theory, explains that our self-efficacy for pursuing career choices is based on certain factors: (1) presence of relevant skills and recognized accomplishments, (2) social reinforcement including recognition and social persuasion, and (3) physiological and emotional states that support outcome expectations and personal goals.

The importance of social-emotional learning is underscored by Nevitt Sanford’s earlier research, which established that young adults form unique personal identity based on their personality traits and cultural background as they grow, and individuals who are concurrently better integrated gain more from available social support. Nancy Schlossberg’s research further established that attention and attachment of importance to the young adult’s existence, achievements and work mattered much for success, whereas marginalization had converse effects.

Additionally, Urie Bronfenbrenner’s research established that personal traits of curiosity, responsiveness, prioritization and self-direction were significant, besides obvious features of institutional processes and social and cultural context. Moreover, John Holland’s person-environment theory codified six profile types for career seekers: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional.

Based on the above and continuing research on education, we believe that young talents are best developed when they grow strong habit for appreciative and interdisciplinary inquiry that leverages on their natural curiosity.

Human capital reviews highlight that the economy favors competitive talents who embrace reimagination and new change for tomorrow’s success. This requires courage, judgment, and flexibility, based on solid human dynamics of purpose and meaning, ethics and fairness, and passion and collaboration.

Developed countries have therefore recognized the criticality of strengthening relevant skills and competencies – popularly known as 21st Century competencies – upon the bedrock of academic excellence.

Gracademia provides our young talents with a head-start in this direction, by strengthening their ability to learn and think based on appreciative and inter-disciplinary inquiry, and supporting their choices through coaching and mentoring.

Post-positivism
Success is objective and context free, and founded on positive cause and effect, but limited by what we personally know. Hence, growth must be driven by testing and experimentation to expand our boundaries – best based on autonomy.
Constructivism
Success is created from specific individual and group experiences that can change over time. Hence, growth benefits from constant and multiple dialogue that enhances self-clarity – the extent of which depends on accessibility.
Critical and cultural forces
Success is influenced by personal beliefs on the one hand, and socially constructed on the other, based on aspects including gender, class, race, and personality. Hence, growth benefits from authenticity and appreciation – which are dependent on self awareness.

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