Youth self-efficacy and initiative

In the contexts just described, it is therefore essential to discuss young people’s self-efficacy and direct initiative, which become crucial elements for their employability.

Indeed, self-efficacy can be defined as the belief in one’s ability to achieve one’s goals and manage challenges, and as the ability to organize and execute the actions necessary to achieve specific results. Initiative is the ability to take action and become proactive

Young people with a high level of self-efficacy are, therefore, more likely to:

• take initiative and seek opportunities

• face challenges with confidence;

while young people with a high level of initiative are more likely to:

• identify opportunities and take action to exploit them

• create innovative solutions to complex problems

• assume responsibility and make decisions.

These two elements are essential for employability but also for professional development and career advancement, as employers seek people who are able to take initiative and work independently, fostering a successful career and greater job satisfaction

These two skills can also be developed and improved through, for example:

ü experiencing success in different areas;

ü receiving positive and/or constructive feedback on what one is doing;

ü offering young people, the opportunity to take on challenges and take initiative.