Reprioritising career parameters in the context of career shocks: exploring the impact of COVID-19 for early career individuals

Purpose COVID-19 profoundly impacted people globally, particularly early-career individuals (ECIs). While previous research has examined changes in work arrangements for non-front-line workers, this study explores the pandemic's influence on career parameters within the early career stage. The persistent effects of the pandemic emphasise the need for HR professionals to comprehend evolving career perspectives and their consequences for individual careers and the labour market. Design/methodology/approach Employing the Kaleidoscope Career Model, this research examines the responses of 150 ECIs to a qualitative online survey. Findings Our findings suggest a dual narrative in which positive and negative outcomes are experienced. Participants shed light on how pandemic-induced career shocks, such as job loss and limited opportunities, resulted in reprioritisation of ECIs' career parameters. Originality/value This study responds to calls to develop conceptual clarity of career shocks. It enriches HR knowledge of career development and offers insights for scholars and HR practitioners, responding to labour market transformation.