Authors :
Abhishek Gulati
Volume/Issue :
Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 3 - March
Google Scholar :
https://tinyurl.com/4rht2tca
Scribd :
https://tinyurl.com/4yvnytvk
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26mar1918
Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.
Abstract :
Career decision-making has long been modeled through a combination of economic rational- ity,
developmental psychology, and social context. The rise of artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping thislandscape
by changing labor demand, expanding access to information, and in- troducing algorithmic tools that actively
influence human choices. This paper synthesizes es- tablished theories of vocational choice and proposes an updated
framework for the AI era, with specific relevance for young professionals, students, educators, and career
practitioners in In- dia and the Indian diaspora. We examine how classic constructs—interests, values, abilities,
identity, and opportunity structures—interact with AI-driven recommendation systems, labor market volatility,
and skill obsolescence dynamics. We argue that effective career decisions now require an adaptive and inclusive strategy:
combining evidence-based self-assessment with con- tinuous labor market sensing, periodic re-optimization, and
active exploration of diverse and liberal career pathways beyond conventional prestige tracks. We conclude with
implications for individuals, educators, employers, and policymakers, and outline a research agenda for evaluat- ing
AI-assisted career guidance systems for fairness, transparency, and long-term outcomes.
References :
- J. L. Holland. Making Vocational Choices: A Theory of Vocational Personalities and Work Environments. Psychological Assessment Resources.
- R. W. Lent, S. D. Brown, and G. Hackett. Toward a unifying social cognitive theory of career and academic interest, choice, and performance. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 45(1), 79–122.
- M. L. Savickas. Career construction theory and practice. In Career Development and Counseling: Putting Theory and Research to Work.
- D. H. Autor. Why are there still so many jobs? The history and future of workplace automation.Journal of Economic Perspectives, 29(3), 3–30.
- D. Acemoglu and P. Restrepo. Artificial intelligence, automation, and work. In The Economics of Artificial Intelligence: An Agenda.
Career decision-making has long been modeled through a combination of economic rational- ity,
developmental psychology, and social context. The rise of artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping thislandscape
by changing labor demand, expanding access to information, and in- troducing algorithmic tools that actively
influence human choices. This paper synthesizes es- tablished theories of vocational choice and proposes an updated
framework for the AI era, with specific relevance for young professionals, students, educators, and career
practitioners in In- dia and the Indian diaspora. We examine how classic constructs—interests, values, abilities,
identity, and opportunity structures—interact with AI-driven recommendation systems, labor market volatility,
and skill obsolescence dynamics. We argue that effective career decisions now require an adaptive and inclusive strategy:
combining evidence-based self-assessment with con- tinuous labor market sensing, periodic re-optimization, and
active exploration of diverse and liberal career pathways beyond conventional prestige tracks. We conclude with
implications for individuals, educators, employers, and policymakers, and outline a research agenda for evaluat- ing
AI-assisted career guidance systems for fairness, transparency, and long-term outcomes.
