An empirical study on the college graduates' career development.

Employment relations in Japan becomes flexible and uncertain in recent years. Career-related terms were widely introduced to Japan. Recent Japanese studies on career argued the responsibility of career development between the organization and individuals. This article discusses the determination of occupational choice and latter career development based on the interviews of Takasaki City University of Economics (TCUE) alumni. First, their ideals of vocational life before entering the labour market as well as their latter modification and development are examined. Second, their motivation for getting the first job is looked into. Finally, the ownership of individual career in Japanese firms is discussed by clarifying the way the interviewees become directors or leaders. The results show people engaged in a sole company have unclear career visions, but have stronger eagerness for being an ordinary salaried worker than others. Whatever one's dream is, getting a job for now would be a favourable attitude toward career development. The ownership of an employee's career still dominated by the organization could be confirmed.