Adult learners’ career paths – from IT profession to education within two-year study programme in Finnish university context

Abstract

Higher education and lifelong learning projects aimed at adults have become more widespread and have sparked a debate on how to restructure higher education policies and support lifelong learning. In Finland, a recent initiative in higher education policy is based on the theme of continuous learning. Different supporting structures and practices at the governmental level are being sought. During the academic year 2017-2018, the Ministry of Education and Culture in Finland funded a project that provided pedagogical studies in teaching for 16 IT professionals. The aim was to enable the participants to focus on the educational field and find new options for their careers. We utilised a narrative research approach to explore the types of adult learners' storylines and positions that were constructed during these studies, of which we identified three: the storyline of different alternatives, in which participants positioned themselves as a career path builders, the storyline of becoming a teacher, in which participants positioned themselves as a teacherhood reflectors and becoming a teacher was an enriching alternative, and the storyline of looking forward, in which participants positioned themselves as a developers and mainly saw their studies as expanding their ongoing career opportunities.

Motivations and Barriers for Adult Learner Achievement: Recommendations for Institutions of Higher Education

“…But this overlaps with general skill development as a motivation to return to college. This could be linked to prior research showing that adult learners seek education that will connect to an overall career (Carnevale et al, 2015b) and possibly a reorientation of skills as the industry changes (Korhonen & Portaankorva-Koivisto, 2021).…”

“…However, adult learners are multifaceted. Their motivation varies, and exploring career possibilities is an individual experience (Korhonen & Portaankorva-Koivisto, 2021). Some adult learners seek to expand their future skills/focus on future job security, some want to position themselves for promotion/upward mobility, others may be looking to education for a different career path, and some focus on personal growth/enrichment (Carnevale et al, 2015b; Compton et al, 2006; Gianakos, 1996; Hashim et al, 2015; Korhonen & Portaankorva-Koivisto, 2021).…”

“…Many adult learners return to school for career advancement and upward mobility (Korhonen & Portaankorva-Koivisto, 2021). They are seeking a competitive edge for pursuing increased responsibility in their career (Sutton, 2016).…”

“…While the push may be to enhance skills for the current organization, some adult learners may wish to change professions (Carnevale et al, 2015b). Therefore, the return to school could be focused on increased flexibility and a hedge against outsourcing or layoffs (Korhonen & Portaankorva-Koivisto, 2021).…”

“…The traditional notion of career development has changed (Korhonen & Portaankorva-Koivisto, 2021). Employees must take ownership of their careers and position themselves to enhance their employability (Botha et al, 2015).…”