Dr Marian Crowley-Henry (Lecturer in Human Resource Management in the School of Business; http://facultyblog.nuimbusiness.ie/author/marian-crowley-henry/) has recently published an article: 'Reconceptualizing the career development of self initiated expatriates: rivers not ladders' in the international peer reviewed Journal of Management Development (Vol. 31, No. 2, pp 130-140) http://www.emeraldinsight.com/journals.htm?articleid=17004166

The article provides an analysis of career development influences which impact on the career direction of self-initiated expatriates. It explores contemporary metaphors in career theory and literature pertaining to career development in an international context. Drawing on empirical research and a comprehensive literature review, the article suggests that the metaphor of a 'river' more aptly captures the career development influences experienced by skilled self-initiated expatriates.