Symposium on the complexity of career decisions: Career aspirations and job preferences. Contextualizing career choices.

Purpose: This study investigates career aspirations and preferences of members of the “Millenial” generation which are relevant to study their career choices and how decisions are made. Career aspirations have an impact on career decisions and evaluations of one’s own career (Derr, 1986; Derr & Laurent, 1989). These subjective career orientations are the product of one’s “motives, values, talents, and personal constraints” (Chompookum & Derr, 2004: 409). Thus, internal career orientations serve as principles for individual career choices, career desires and perspectives (Chompookum & Derr, 2004). Generally, career decision making process is complex and contextual factors are relevant for occupational choice based on factors like expected salary and prestige (Betz, Heesacker, & Shuttleworth, 1990; Nauta, Epperson, & Kahn, 1998; Ng et al., 2010). Design/Methodology: Empirically, this study looks at the perception of contextual factors like job characteristics and attributes. Survey was conducted with students from an Austrian University (n=370). The data were analysed utilizing mapping procedures and choice based con-joint analysis and simulations of different job scenarios. Results: Study participants placed an importance on the factors working climate, and opportunities for advancement, meaningful work experience, work-life balance. There is a popularity of certain job offers in relation to specializations during university education. Limitations: Cross-sectional design that includes job preferences for conducting a con-joint analysis. Research Practice/Implications: Perception of job characteristics and attributes have consequences for organizations. Originality/Value: Analysing career aspirations and preferred job characteristics using con-joint analysis and simulations.