Entrepreneurial Career and Life Design (ECLD): Theoretical Foundations and Conceptual Distinctions in a Transforming World

Entrepreneurial Career and Life Design, Career Construction Theory, Effectuation Theory, Design Think-ing, Career Adaptability, Life Design, Self-Authorship

Entrepreneurial Career and Life Design (ECLD) is an interdisciplinary approach that combines the concepts of entrepreneurial thinking, Self-authored career and life design with the approach of Design Thinking. The ECLD enables individuals to chart the path of a dynamic and opportunistic career. This chapter defines ECLD by throwing light on the theories to form a conceptual framework, define its relevance in the transforming world and distinguishes it from the traditional approaches of career development. The chapter take the cues from the changing professional landscapes with digital transformation and increased focus on sustainable and mindful lives. ECLD unifies the concepts of narrative career and the entrepreneurial venture creation, enabling to design the career trajectories by combining the self-directed career paths aligned with the entrepreneurial venturing. This chapter offers a comprehensive synthesis of theories and concepts to understand the ECLD as a research construct and as well as a curriculum concept for entrepreneurial and career building framework. By combining the educational psychology, career ladder, entrepreneurial mindset with design thinking approach, ECLD contributes as a strong foundation for the new generation curriculum designing and career innovation. ECLD is encouraging the educationists, researchers and the professionals to think and act beyond the traditional architecture of life and work, encouraging a mindset where career development is accepted as an iterative life project.