The topic of careers has become both increasingly important and increasingly complex. Contemporary economies have bought about changes in the nature of careers, and uncertainty in the structure and longevity of firms and their ability to offer long-term employment. Corporate policy-makers struggle with alternatives to traditional employment structures, while individuals struggle to decide whether and how they ought to become more independent of such structures, pursuing what some have called 'post-corporate' or 'boundaryless' careers. This volume is an integrated survey of some of the best current thinking and research on careers. Presented as a series of chapters by an international group of experts and knit together through themes and dialogues, it advances our understanding of the deeper meaning of changes in careers, and of the interrelationships and longer-term consequences of those changes.

There are major shifts in career patterns and paths in the current climate of persistent and accelerating change. In this book leading researchers with a specialist interest in careers examine changing trends: what HR departments are doing, and how individuals may seek greater control over their careers.

"A terrific collection that takes us beyond the media hype, providing insight and thoughtful commentary on the changing nature and meaning of careers." Barbara S. Lawrence, Professor, The Anderson School at UCLA