Career development and creative arts students: an investigation into the effectiveness of career theory and WIL experiences on practice

This case study focuses on the implementation of a professional studies subject at a regional Australian institution of higher education. This subject, established in order to foster the development of links to graduate destinations, creative networks and employment out comes, involves a curriculum that is underpinned by several career theories. Students are exposed to career development theory, after which they are required to reflect on and communicate to their peers the manner in which they both engage with and put in practice the key tenets of these theories in both an overarching career plan and through industry-focused activities. This case study provides direct evidence of the manner in which the students relate to and engage with career concepts, career theory and work-integrated learning