The Effect of Tolerance of Uncertainty on Career Competencies in Pre-service Teachers: A Multi-group Analysis by Academic Year of the Mediating Roles of Planned Happenstance Skills and Major Satisfaction
AUTHOR : 소연희
INFORMATION : page. 35~51 / 2025 Vol.32 No.4
ABSTRACT
This study investigates the relationships among tolerance of uncertainty, planned happenstance skills, major satisfaction, and career competencies in pre-service teachers. Data were collected from education undergraduates at different academic levels, aiming to capture differences across experiential backgrounds. Results indicated that tolerance of uncertainty positively correlated with planned happenstance skills, which in turn enhanced major satisfaction and career competencies. Additionally, major satisfaction mediated the relationship between happenstance skills and career competencies, suggesting that students who embrace uncertainty and opportunistic thinking are more likely to enjoy their field of study and develop stronger career-relevant abilities. Moreover, the impact of these skills appeared greater in senior students compared to juniors, implying that accumulated academic and practical experiences strengthen one’s readiness for future careers. These findings highlight the value of developing planned happenstance skills as part of teacher education curricula. Encouraging students to engage with uncertainty and leverage unplanned opportunities could foster both satisfaction in their chosen major and growth in competencies essential for professional success in teaching. The study offers practical implications for career guidance programs in higher education, particularly within teacher preparation contexts.