Propulsors of professional development from workers of different levels of schooling

Abstract

The professional development process occurs in different ways for people. This research aimed to compare the perceptions of such development and its propellants in workers with and without graduate studies. The survey of 388 workers from different occupations and professions (75.7% women, mean age of 43.7 years), used a forced choice scale, to prioritize the elements that influence professional development. Anchoring vignettes were also used to adjust responses to the trial scale. The results indicated more similarities than differences in the drivers of professional development of participants with and without graduate studies, but there are some distinct thrusters between them. The findings can contribute to the evaluation and career decision-making of different workers.