How has the experience of Covid-19 impacted graduate readiness for a protean career? A qualitative investigation of final year business students’ industry placement experience during the pandemic

Protean careers, involving self-management by the individual are increasingly required by graduates to negotiate the turbulent labour market. Our study investigates the impact of Covid-19 on graduating business students through reflections on their placement experience and future career plans. Qualitative methodology was used to analyse post-placement student reflective essay submissions. The students’ respective experiences and any potential impact upon their career choices were evaluated, with 182 participants highlighting the importance of self-management and agility, negotiating communication via technology and engaging with colleagues as three key factors for a successful workplace transition. The research ascertained that in the face of a major change in the work environment a group of placement students were able to effectively adapt to their circumstances while being aware of the challenges it presented, indicating the development of a protean mind-set. This has implications for universities as they seek to support graduating students in a post-Covid environment and for employers, implies graduate preparedness for a Protean career path.