‘I know I won’t be employed here forever’: exploring career self-management in early-career engineers

This study investigates how early-career engineers engage in career self-management (CSM) and the role of educational experiences, particularly in a problem-based learning (PBL) environment. Through 10 life history interviews with recent engineering graduates, the authors explore how participants navigate career uncertainty, refine goals, and proactively manage their development. The findings reveal that participants adopt a pragmatic and adaptive approach, combining strategic planning with openness to emerging opportunities. Proactivity was seen in trial-and-error career exploration, continuous learning, and value-driven career preferences, with many prioritising opportunities for hands-on, applied work, as well as societal impact. Participants reported challenges in aligning personal values with visible career opportunities and balancing technical aspirations with leadership ambitions. The results highlight the importance of integrating CSM-supporting practices into PBL curricula, emphasising career reflection, goal setting, and exposure to real-world work environments. Additionally, this study contributes to discussions on fostering career resilience and adaptability in dynamic, technical professions.