Unlocking hidden resources: The role of gaming skills in fostering career adaptability for resilience in the career planning of young people

Christine Hoffelner; Albert Düggeli; Christof Nägele

doi:10.3384/njvet.2242-458X.25155101

Authors

Christine Hoffelner University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0992-3031
Albert Düggeli University of Teacher Education of the Grisons https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0527-4871
Christof Nägele University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7133-0889

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3384/njvet.2242-458X.25155101

Keywords:

career adaptability resources, video games, informal learning, adolescents, career planning, resilience

Abstract

This study examines how commercial video games can serve as informal learning spaces that promote adolescents’ career adaptability, a crucial resource for effective career planning and resilience. Drawing on career construction theory, we examine whether skills developed through gaming align with career adaptability resources and how these resources influence adolescents’ ability to recognise and apply such skills. Using structural equation modelling with data from 265 students aged 13–15, we find that gaming supports the articulation of adaptability-related skills, particularly among those who seek social support in career planning. Significant gender differences emerged: male students were more likely than females to identify career adaptability resources in gaming, which in turn facilitated the transfer of gaming-related skills and insights to real-life career planning. Game-based career counselling may therefore be a promising approach to reveal latent adaptability resources, strengthen digital competences, and enhance resilience – especially in contexts such as Switzerland or the Nordic countries, where vocational education and training (VET) systems face gendered participation patterns, high dropout rates, and increasing demands for transversal and digital skills.

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