Career social representations: a study with professionals of different ages

Abstract This research aims to analyze the formation and structure of career social representations (SR) for professionals of different ages who work in the business area. The Theory of Social Representations (TSR) guided the study carried out in a sample of 174 young professionals (between 18 and 29 years old) and 105 older professionals (from 45 years old). Methodologically, a questionnaire containing questions in free evocation format was applied, and the data were submitted to OpenEvoc and Iramuteq software. The results of the structure and dynamics of career SR for the groups indicated, at the same time, the presence of similar and distinct elements. Moreover, these results contradict, in part, the literature on career and generational characteristics, indicating the relevance of aspects related to the socio-historical context to explain career SR. The data contribute to the understanding of career SR, enabling new debates and (re)readings.