I fully agree with Beatrice. What makes the Careers Division really stand out to me is the open and friendly atmosphere, and the sense of community among its members. AOM is such a large organization but within the Careers Division, you can easily get to know many people quite easily, and everyone is always very approachable. This makes it useful but also fun to attend the annual meeting, because we get to catch up with each other again.
Besides the atmosphere and community, though, I also very much enjoy the topics that we research and discuss with each other. When I was a PhD student as part of a Work and Organizational Psychology department, I was essentially the only one doing research on careers and employability, and I felt somewhat isolated in terms of my research passions (although I should note that this is changing, thankfully; careers topics are finally entering the psychology debate as well :-)). Ever since getting to know the Careers Division, it was clear to me that these topics are not just a niche, but they are an important discipline. In addition, its multidisciplinary nature - briding disciplines such as OB, HR, occupational health, management, etc. - really appeals to me and makes it a fascinating field of study.
Hope to see many of you during the conference these days!
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Jos Akkermans
Associate Professor
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Netherlands
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Original Message:
Sent: 07-31-2017 14:17
From: Beatrice Van Der Heijden
Subject: What do you like the most about CAR?
Dear Colleagues and Friends,
Well, every year I am counting the days to leave for AoM ... just like right now, in particular because of the CAR division. It is unbelievable how work and fun can be combined in this top-level scholarly network. Yes, each year at AoM, we are in fact working very hard, starting early with breakfast sessions, and networking until late, with in the meantime some additional editorial board meetings, paper plan meetings, and starting up new research. However, every time while being at AoM, I am enjoying so much to be around with colleagues and friends who are in the same situation. How to explain to people outside our work domain, that we work on our career sustainability while building up a lack of sleep and not protecting work-life balance so well, while being experts in this .... Yes, it is because we do not feel like working during these days as in the CAR meetings we can really pay attention to self-actualization, to making our dreams come true in an atmosphere with like-minded who are so eager to move our scholarly insights forward. Moreover, as the CAR division is so active throughout the year, I really feel connected with my international colleagues and look much forward to keep colloborating in the future. Safe travellings to all, Beatrice van der Heijden
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Beatrice Van Der Heijden
Radboud University, Nijmegen
Nijmegen
Original Message:
Sent: 07-30-2017 15:45
From: Fida Afiouni
Subject: What do you like the most about CAR?
I love the small size of the division which provides a chance to meet and engage in meaningful discussions with stellar scholars. I also love all the developmental PDWs that the division sponsors as well as the great social events.
I'd love to hear what other members like best about our division! Whether, related to academic sessions, PDW, social events, the academic community, etc., we all have a few experiences that have made CAR our "home" in the Academy. Feel free to share what you like the most about CAR!"
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Fida Afiouni
American University of Beirut
Riad El Solh
009611374374 x3725
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