Using Developmental Relationships to Navigate Career Transitions: Implications for Diverse Populations

The purpose of this chapter is to explain how developmental relationships—including mentoring, coaching, and developmental networks—help individuals successfully navigate career transitions. The chapter is based on the HRD Career Transitions framework, which explains career transitions as a process comprised of two phases: (1) career preparation and (2) occupational identity formation. Developmental relationships can enhance a person’s ability to prepare for a new career during the first phase of a boundaryless career transition and to form a new occupational identity as they settle into their new career context during the second phase of a career transition. In this chapter, we use theory adaptation and existing literature to explain how developmental relationships can influence successful career transitions. Further, we use vignettes to provide real-life examples of how developmental relationships have influenced the career transition goals of diverse people with whom we have previously advised through career transitions. We conclude this chapter by offering practical guidance for more effectively forming and leveraging developmental relationships to promote career transitions, and distinguishing between helpful and potentially problematic developmental relationships during the career transition.