Master of Arts in Higher Education (MAHE) Theses

Date of Award

2017

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

First Advisor

Drew Moser

Second Advisor

Scott Gaier

Third Advisor

Tim Herrmann

Distinguished Theses

1

Abstract

Vocational development is the process of understanding one’s calling through various internal and external influences. While vocation is an increasingly popular research topic, research has not addressed how one’s personality shapes his or her vocational development. Therefore, the purpose of the research was to explore the vocational development of introverted college students. Using a two-part qualitative study, 101 participants provided online essays, and 9 participants participated in face-to-face interviews in order to understand the influences and process of introverts seeking to discover their vocation. Results suggested various external and internal influences of vocational development, as well as the perceived relationship between vocation and introversion. Based on the results of the study, the Vocational Development Model for Introverts was created to explain the process introverted college students undergo to discern their calling. Implications for university faculty and staff members are discussed to inform and advise introverts in their vocational development.

Notes

Granted the honor of the 2017 Distinguished Thesis Award.

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