The Role of Luck in Planning Your Career – Coffee & Careers Vlog 3

Summary

In this episode, the hosts discuss the 'Planned Happenstance' theory in career planning, emphasizing how luck can play a role in career paths. They highlight that successful people often demonstrate curiosity, persistence, flexibility, and optimism. The four key steps of this approach include clarifying ideas, removing mental blocks, expecting the unexpected, and taking action. These strategies encourage individuals to create opportunities through networking, being open to new experiences, and actively pursuing chances. The podcast offers real-life examples of how this theory can manifest in one's career journey.

Takeaways

• 🎯 Planned happenstance is a theory that helps explain how chance events can play a role in career paths.
• 🔍 It emphasizes curiosity, persistence, flexibility, and optimism as key traits for creating career opportunities.
• 🧠 While structured models like the DOTS model focus on planned career paths, planned happenstance recognizes the role of chance.
• 💡 Clarifying your ideas about your strengths, interests, and skills is the first step to using this model.
• 🚧 Removing mental blocks is crucial, encouraging a mindset shift from 'I can't' to 'How can I?'
• 🎲 Expecting the unexpected involves being open to chance opportunities and taking action when they arise.
• 🤝 The University of Glasgow offers many opportunities, including networking events and career services, to meet potential contacts.
• 📧 Following up after meeting someone at a networking event is vital for maintaining and growing connections.
• 🚀 Taking action by reaching out, following up, and seizing opportunities can help create your own career luck.
• 🎙️ The podcast 'Soundtracks' from the University of Glasgow highlights real-world examples of planned happenstance, including entrepreneurial stories.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the session discussed in the transcript?

The main topic is the role of luck in career planning, specifically the 'planned happenstance' theory, which explores how chance events and personal mindset can impact career opportunities.

What is 'planned happenstance'?

'Planned happenstance' is a career theory developed by Mitchell, Levin, and Krumboltz, suggesting that luck or chance events play a significant role in career paths, but individuals can cultivate certain traits like curiosity, persistence, flexibility, and optimism to better capitalize on these opportunities.

How does 'planned happenstance' differ from structured career planning models like the DOTS model?

'Planned happenstance' focuses on embracing unexpected opportunities and being open to chance events, while the DOTS model emphasizes a more structured, systematic approach to career planning, such as identifying strengths, matching them to available jobs, and making calculated career moves.

What are the four key traits people should develop to increase their 'luck' in career planning according to the planned happenstance theory?

The four key traits are curiosity, persistence, flexibility, and optimism. These traits help individuals stay open to opportunities and navigate unexpected events in their career paths.

What does the step 'clarifying ideas' involve in the planned happenstance approach?

'Clarifying ideas' involves self-reflection to identify your strengths, skills, and interests. This is a starting point for exploring career opportunities and maintaining curiosity about what may be out there.

Why is it important to 'remove the blocks' in career planning?

'Removing the blocks' refers to shifting one's mindset from focusing on barriers to asking, 'How can I do this?' It involves adopting a positive outlook and overcoming negative thinking that can hinder taking advantage of opportunities.

What does 'expecting the unexpected' mean in the context of career planning?

'Expecting the unexpected' means being prepared for and open to chance opportunities, such as impromptu conversations, chance encounters, and unexpected events that can lead to career progress.

How can university students leverage their environment to take advantage of planned happenstance?

University students can engage in campus events, networking opportunities, and utilize career services to meet new people, broaden their networks, and increase their chances of encountering serendipitous career opportunities.

Why is taking action important in the planned happenstance approach?

Taking action is crucial because it's not enough to recognize opportunities—you need to actively follow up, build connections, and engage with the people and events that can lead to career advancements. Being proactive is key to making the most of 'luck.'

What example from the podcast does the speaker provide to illustrate planned happenstance?

The speaker mentions an episode of the 'Soundtracks' podcast featuring a Business School graduate, Qian, who used planned happenstance by reconnecting with someone he met while studying abroad. This connection later contributed to his entrepreneurial success.

Outlines

00:00

🎯 Understanding Planned Happenstance in Career Planning

The conversation opens with the introduction of David, a colleague and careers manager, discussing the concept of 'luck' in career planning. The discussion touches on how many people attribute their career success to luck, with random encounters or unforeseen events leading to opportunities. However, there’s a theory, 'Planned Happenstance' by Mitchell, Levin, and Krumboltz, that aims to explain why people feel this way. While structured approaches like the DOTS model offer a systematic way to plan careers, this theory suggests that chance plays a significant role, especially in a rapidly changing job market. The key takeaway is that one cannot completely plan their career but should remain open to opportunities and make the most of them.

05:02

🔑 Key Elements for Increasing Career 'Luck'

The theory of planned happenstance identifies key qualities in people who are often perceived as 'lucky' in their careers. These include curiosity, persistence, flexibility, and optimism. The discussion introduces four actionable steps that students can follow to increase their own career luck: clarifying ideas, removing mental blocks, expecting the unexpected, and taking action. Clarifying ideas involves self-reflection on personal strengths and motivations, much like the initial stages of the DOTS model. This step focuses on understanding oneself and fostering curiosity about potential career opportunities.

🧠 Overcoming Mental Barriers and Preparing for Chance

Once students have clarified their career ideas, the next step is to remove mental barriers, adopting a 'how can I?' mindset rather than focusing on obstacles. This positive psychology approach encourages a proactive attitude toward seizing opportunities. The discussion then shifts to expecting the unexpected, highlighting the importance of being prepared for random chance opportunities, such as impromptu conversations or unexpected events. The University of Glasgow offers ample opportunities for such encounters, from networking events to interactions with the Career Service and alumni. The key message is to get involved and be open to meeting new people and expanding networks.

🌱 Taking Action and Proactively Creating Opportunities

The final step in the planned happenstance theory is taking action. It's not enough to simply attend networking events or meet new people; following up is crucial. This includes sending emails, thanking individuals for their time, and building lasting relationships, such as connecting on LinkedIn. The emphasis is on being proactive and creating luck by staying engaged and following up on opportunities. The example of a University of Glasgow Business School graduate is provided, illustrating how a student used a chance encounter abroad to create future career opportunities.

🎙 Real-Life Example and Podcast Recommendation

The conversation concludes with a recommendation to listen to the University of Glasgow’s 'Soundtracks' podcast, where a business graduate shares a real-life example of how they used planned happenstance to shape their career. The four key steps of clarifying ideas, removing blocks, expecting the unexpected, and taking action are revisited, reinforcing how this approach can help students increase their chances of 'luck' in career planning. The episode wraps up with a teaser for the next session, which will focus on leveraging personal interests in career development.

Keywords

💡Career Planning

Career planning refers to the process of defining and pursuing career goals in a structured way. In the video, it is discussed through both structured approaches like the DOTS model and less conventional approaches like 'Planned Happenstance.' Career planning helps individuals map out their professional paths, but the video emphasizes that luck and chance events can also play a significant role.

💡Planned Happenstance

Planned Happenstance is a theory by Mitchell, Levin, and Krumboltz that combines the concepts of chance and intentionality in career development. It suggests that while people often attribute career success to luck, they can increase the likelihood of these 'lucky' events by adopting certain mindsets and behaviors. In the video, the concept highlights how being open to opportunities, networking, and staying proactive can create 'planned' luck.

💡Curiosity

Curiosity is a key factor mentioned in the 'Planned Happenstance' theory. It refers to a person’s desire to explore, learn, and seek new opportunities. In the context of career planning, curiosity leads individuals to discover new career paths, attend events, and expand their horizons. The video suggests that being curious opens doors to unexpected opportunities in one's career.

💡Persistence

Persistence is the determination to continue pursuing goals despite challenges or setbacks. The video explains that persistent individuals are more likely to turn chance encounters into career opportunities because they continue pushing forward even when progress seems difficult. Persistence, as a mindset, helps in navigating the unpredictable nature of career development.

💡Flexibility

Flexibility refers to the ability to adapt to new situations or opportunities, even when they don’t align with one's initial plans. In career development, this quality is crucial for making the most of unplanned or unexpected opportunities. The video emphasizes that flexible individuals are more likely to benefit from the changing job market and the unpredictable nature of career growth.

💡Optimism

Optimism is the mindset of expecting positive outcomes and seeing opportunities in challenges. In the 'Planned Happenstance' model, optimistic individuals are more likely to view chance encounters and unexpected events as potential career opportunities. The video highlights optimism as an essential quality for making the most of luck in career planning.

💡Clarifying Ideas

Clarifying ideas refers to the process of self-assessment and reflection on one's strengths, interests, and motivations. In the video, this is the first step of 'Planned Happenstance,' where individuals take stock of their abilities and desires before exploring career opportunities. Clarifying ideas provides direction and helps individuals identify opportunities that align with their personal and professional goals.

💡Removing Blocks

Removing blocks means overcoming mental or practical barriers that prevent individuals from pursuing opportunities. In the video, it is presented as a mindset shift from thinking 'I can't' to 'How can I?' This step encourages individuals to think positively and look for solutions rather than focusing on obstacles that could limit their career growth.

💡Expecting the Unexpected

Expecting the unexpected involves being open and prepared for unforeseen opportunities. In career development, this means actively participating in networking events or chance encounters, which may lead to unexpected career paths. The video uses this concept to encourage viewers to recognize and seize these unplanned opportunities when they arise.

💡Taking Action

Taking action refers to the proactive steps individuals must take to turn opportunities into real outcomes. The video stresses that attending networking events or meeting new people is not enough—individuals must follow up, build relationships, and actively pursue the opportunities that arise. Taking action is the final step in the 'Planned Happenstance' process, turning luck into career success.

Highlights

Discussion on the role of luck in career planning and how people often attribute their success to being lucky.

Introduction of the theory of planned happenstance by Mitchell, Levin, and Krumboltz, explaining how chance events can influence career decisions.

Comparison between the structured DOTS model of career planning and the more flexible, adaptive planned happenstance model.

Emphasis on the mindset necessary for planned happenstance, including curiosity, persistence, flexibility, and optimism as key traits.

Step 1 in planned happenstance: Clarifying ideas by identifying personal strengths, skills, and motivations as a starting point for career exploration.

Step 2: Removing blocks by adopting a positive mindset and focusing on how to overcome challenges rather than getting stuck on barriers.

Step 3: Expecting the unexpected, preparing for chance encounters and opportunities, and taking advantage of unexpected situations.

Importance of impromptu conversations, chance meetings, and networking opportunities at events to broaden career possibilities.

Encouragement for students to participate in university events and utilize career services to meet potential contacts and discover opportunities.

Step 4: Taking action by following up after networking events, maintaining connections, and being proactive in seizing opportunities.

Example of how planned happenstance works in practice through a story of a business school graduate who leveraged a past connection for entrepreneurial success.

Recommendation to listen to the University of Glasgow’s 'Soundtracks' podcast for real-life examples of planned happenstance in action.

Reiteration of the four steps in planned happenstance: clarifying ideas, removing blocks, expecting the unexpected, and taking action.

Discussion on how flexibility and adaptability are essential in today’s rapidly changing labor market.

Reminder that while career planning models can be helpful, it’s important to stay open to opportunities that may arise unexpectedly.

Transcripts

[Music]

I'm joined again by my colleague David

the other careers manager for the

business skill and in today's session

we're going to be talking about the

world of luck in Career Planning

so David's when you joined me back in

episode one we spoke about the dots

model of Career Planning which is a very

structured approach to Career Planning

so it was through our can a force that

process actually thinking about how you

can actually plan however when you ask a

lot of people how did you get into that

job quite often people see I was lucky

it just happened

yep I fell into it or I met someone at

this random event and then you know it

just happened for me I just I was lucky

lucky kind of plays a big part however

there is a theory for them so there is a

theory they were going to talk about to

be called planned happenstance they

plans happenstance of the theory by

Mitchell Levin and crumbles and which

they tried to look at and why do so many

people actually say that they're lucky

in Kadir you know is there actually

something to that yeah and so what's

your what's your thoughts on that I

think it's a really interesting theory

and a really useful thing for people to

consider because as you said like the

dots model we talked about before is

more about that you can plan and you can

systematically start with you know what

am I good at what's out there meet the

right decision you move into the right

job but actually as you see in reality

there is an element of chance events

that happen especially in the labor

market that we have in the future of

work it's very very rapidly changing

this is a really good model for people

to consider that

yeah you can't entirely plan what's

going to happen that you know you have

to have the right mindset there are an

open mind to look for opportunities and

make the most of them and this model has

a nice four-step process as well that

explains that quite neatly I think and

so the key thing when we're looking in

this theory is that it is called planned

happenstance and that's not just saying

you know don't think about your career

luck oh come in and every

I'll be your key for some of you it

might be and that's absolutely fantastic

but when these guys actually looked at

this theory they said that there was

actually a few key things that people

had in common when they did tend to be

lucky and that was people who took

advantage of curiosity and persistence

flexibility and optimism so it's more

about kind of your mindset so let's look

at kind of I'm for kind of keys that

that students can take if they want to

think about how they can increase their

luck and how they can use the kind of

planned happenstance approach so the

first that David is about kind of

clarifying ideas yeah so that's got some

similarities I think the dots yeah

absolutely so that is where you can

start with yourself think through you

know what are my strengths what are my

my skills and what am i motivated by so

starting with yourself and knowing what

you're interested in there's always the

best place to start any sort of career

model and this one keeps that in mind

it's not you're not going to just

randomly find what's out there you

probably have an idea of yourself and

your strengths and what what motivates

you not doesn't have to be too specific

that's to start with you know what am I

good at generally speaking what what

interests me and then starting with that

curiosity but it's just started I think

through you know what might be

interested what actually might might be

out there for me as well I'm once you've

kind of started to clarify your ideas

the next thing is to think about

actually removing the blocks and this is

very much a main set thing so this is

very much gone from wondering how can I

rather than I can't because so this is

looking at and you know you're you've

been a positive mindset person and so

get into things and actually take an

opportunity something and how can I do

that rather than kind of talking about

the barriers that exist all the time yes

I was kind of drawing on that kind of

positive psychology thinking that you

know you have to have the right frame of

mind and know that when you see an

opportunity you're open to it yeah so um

you clarified your ideas you remove the

blocks next it's about expecting the

unexpected and this is about being

prepared for chance opportunities and

actually taking those chance

opportunities as well so that's I'm

unexpected form cause that's a chance

encounter is impromptu conversations no

I'm the University of Glasgow was a

fantastic place for this because the

so many opportunities actually get

involved in events where you can perhaps

meet people and with your your current

network as well and you know the Career

Service itself David adds a whole host

of events there that we hope is there

with employers and alumni and but around

campus there's lots of things going on

that students get involved in to

actually kind of broaden their networks

and actually can they maybe come across

some of these chance encounters yes the

message here really is one about just

get involved and take advantage of these

opportunities around there you might not

know what you're gonna find from there

but why not go along to these events and

even looking at resources as a good

opportunity so the network makes donal

sources like linkedin looking at

graduates you know that's where you see

an unexpected opportunity we think our

that's an interesting job title I wonder

how that person from our degree program

ended up there as having an open mind

and finding the opportunities and taking

them yep and that kind of leads really

nicely onto the final step which is

actually about taking action so you may

be at one of these air networking events

where you may see somebody on the

network the University of glad school's

alumni networking tool that you actually

kind of following up on that so if you

meet someone at a networking event send

them an email afterwards and thank them

for their time and actually and follow

up and keep that relationship open

connect with them on LinkedIn yep I'm

actually take action don't just think

well that was an exit van that was a

good opportunity Libre perhaps a great

person I actually take that action and

you know it might actually create some

luck that you never in order to actually

might lead you to yeah being proactive

really is a key thing and that is about

once you remove those barriers and

blocks now I'm positive thinking not

telling yourself I don't think I could

do that imagine that you can do it find

the opportunity that you see somebody

that interests you take out should be

proactive yep

so if you actually want to see plans

happenstance in action I would recommend

tuning into the soundtracks podcast from

the University of Glasgow which is our

alumni podcast I'm there is an episode

in particular which sticks in my mind

last semester

I'm a Business School graduate called

Qian Qian's a serial entrepreneur who

talks a lot about how someone he met

while he was a student studying abroad

actually came back into his life for a

later date because he took opportunity

to actually reach out and contact them

as well which is a perfect actual

example of you know using that luck and

actually kind of connecting it to make

opportunities for yourself so tune in

there to actually see how that plans

happenstance can actually work in action

those four key stages again are

clarifying ideas removing the blocks

expect not expected and taking action so

thanks for joining me again today David

and tune in again next week for another

episode of coffee unclear as we'll all

be joined again by my colleague Ann and

we'll be talking about how you can

actually use your interests in your

career so thanks for tuning in today and

if you haven't already done so like the

video comment subscribe

[Music]