Career interest on calling: The chain mediating role of future work self and engaged learning

Abstract

We investigated the role of future work self and engaged learning in the relationship between career interest and career calling. Students (n = 641; female = 235; mean age = 18.96 years, SD = 1.01 years) complete the Career Interest Scale, the Future Work Self Scale, the Engaged Learning Index, and the Chinese Calling Scale. Structural equation modelling and a Preacher’s mediation analysis indicated that intense career interest predicted a greater career calling. Future work self and engaged learning served as mediators between career interest and career calling. A stronger career interest predicted a more salient future work self, which promoted engaged learning and ultimately increased students’ career calling. Our findings suggested that career interest was an important prerequisite for career calling before future work self and engaged learning. Our findings have implications for learning oriented interventions on career calling among students.