Career Development and the Needs of Young College-Educated Females in Taiwan

Abstract

This interpretive study examined the lived experiences of young college-educated Taiwanese women employed as clerical workers. Using hermeneutic phenomenology as the research methodology, the study explored the meanings of the participants' lived experiences. Systematic text analysis of the data revealed various experiences and expectations. Experience themes identified in the study were: (a) 'bored and busy'; and (b) 'disrespected and mistrusted'. Major expectation themes revealed are: (a) 'career dreams and aspirations'; and (b) 'desire for meaningful work'. The study emphasised the importance of career development education in young Taiwanese women. The experiences of Taiwanese female clerical workers as recorded in the study reflected a need for career development, which might provide insightful information for career development scholars and practitioners.

Keywords

career development hermeneutic phenomenology meaningful work Taiwan young college-educated females.

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