A Qualitative Study on The Career Construction Process and Meaning of Work Among Undergraduate Students

The 21st century has witnessed rapid and profound transformations that have reshaped working life. These changes significantly impact Generation Z, which is regarded as the workforce of the future. Transitioning into the workforce requires flexible career construction.This study examined Generation Z’s career construction process and their attitudes toward working life. The research was conducted with third-year students enrolled in the departments of Labor Economics and Industrial Relations and Business Administration at Kocaeli University and Bursa Uludağ University. Responses of 50 participants were analyzed through thematic analysis using MAXQDA qualitative analysis software, version 2024.The findings revealed that employment and career opportunities are the predominant factors influencing the deciding dimension of career construction. In the crystallizing dimension, family and friends play the most significant role, followed by the academic environment. In the exploration dimension, the primary sources of career-related information are family members and influential professionals. In the preparation dimension, students focus on academic activities, internships, work experience, courses, certificate programs, and training.This study examined attitudes toward the meaning of work. Participants emphasized their preference for a tolerant, peaceful, and sincere work environment and identified success, receiving the rewards of their efforts, and contributing to life as important values. They also attached great importance to work-life balance and opportunities for development. The most frequently mentioned attributes used to describe an ideal employee were responsibility, hard work, discipline, and loyalty.This study contributes to the existing literature by offering insights into young individuals’ career development processes and their perspectives on the meaning of work.