This exploratory qualitative study investigated employed female university
graduates in the thirties' definitions of career success and the strategies they
employ to achieve that success. There were four overarching themes that
emerged from the data. Two reflect how employed women in the thirties
perceive career success. They see it not only as subjective and also as
objective. They also define career success as a multidimensional concept that is
likely to change throughout their work lives. The third theme is related to their
activities to achieve career success, and majority of them indicated the
importance of formal education. The last theme is about the obstacles they face
in the pursuit of career success, and three things were frequently mentioned;
1)gender discrimination, 2)individual weaknesses, and 3)lack of family support.
Implications for adult education and training are provided.