Cultivating Career Adaptability: An Interventional Study on MBA Students' Adaptability in the Modern Business Landscape

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of a skill-building intervention program, utilizing the ‘G.R.O.W. model’ of career adaptability training (McGuiness, 2017), on the career adaptability of MBA students. A convenience sample of 162 MBA students participated in the study, with 74 completing both pre-and-post intervention surveys. The intervention focused on critical thinking, teamwork, communicating in teams, and leadership, utilizing self-reflections and the 'Career Adapt-Abilities Scale – Short Form' (CAAS-SF) (Maggiori et al., 2017) for data collection. Statistical analysis using SPSS revealed significant improvements in three out of four sub-constructs of career adaptability – concern, control, and confidence. Notably, students reported increased control and confidence, a slight increase in concern, and a considerable decrease in curiosity post-intervention. The findings underscore the effectiveness of the intervention in enhancing career adaptability. The study concludes by advocating for future research to delve into strategies for addressing concern and curiosity, crucial elements in navigating evolving business dynamics. It calls for increased emphasis on career exploration training and intervention programs in Indian higher education institutions to bolster students' career adaptability in the face of rapid organizational changes.