A qualitative study on understanding how early career engineers achieve career sustainability through transversal competencies

This study aims to understand how Early Career Engineers (ECEs) achieve career sustainability through transversal competencies. Constructivist grounded theory methodology was employed, with semi-structured interviews conducted among 50 ECEs, 30 managers, and 20 HR professionals across four engineering industries. Data were analysed through constant comparative analysis across three iterative rounds, generating open, axial, and selective coding. The analysis revealed four developmental stages: Orientation, Integration, Development, and Consolidation, through which career sustainability emerges as ECEs’ capacity to maintain performance, stability, intrinsic drive, resource access, and viable growth pathways within the first 24 months. The emerging framework identifies five enabling dimensions (Performance, Stability, Drive, Resources, Growth Path) and six organisational drivers (Skill Development, Workplace Support, Purposeful Work, Adaptability, Team Collaboration, Career Progression Opportunities) that interact synergistically across stages. The framework advances career sustainability theory by addressing rapid skill obsolescence, intense labour market competition, and dynamic Industry 4.0 demands in emerging economy contexts, particularly India’s heterogeneous engineering sectors.