THE ROLE OF HOPE IN UNIVERSITY STUDENTS’ CAREER TRANSITIONS

Abstract

This article offers a theoretical, empirical, and practice-oriented examination of the central role that “hope” plays in university students’ post-graduation career transitions. It first addresses the concept of career, the nature of career transitions, and the uncertainty, anxiety, and stress factors that arise during this process. The article highlights the key needs of students as they form their professional identities, develop competencies, set future goals, and access support resources. Subsequently, the text situates hope within career development theories—particularly Career Construction Theory and Social Cognitive Career Theory—and outlines the theoretical foundations of hope through the lens of positive psychology. Snyder’s Hope Theory is used to define hope in terms of goal-directed thinking, pathways thinking, and agency thinking. Emphasis is placed on how hope enhances students’ psychological well-being, transforms uncertainty into a challenge, and fosters flexibility and resilience. From a cultural perspective, the article explores economic, familial, and societal factors influencing Turkish university students’ levels of hope. It also addresses the measurement and evaluation of hope, proposes hope-based interventions, and offers recommendations for career counseling practices. Ultimately, hope emerges as a fundamental psychological resource that enables students to approach the future more constructively, adaptively, and resolutely.

Keywords: Career transitions, hope, university students.