The Career as a Psychological Mirror: The Role of the Shadow, Persona, and Anima/Animus in Work

What we don’t face on the inside, we meet on the outside, according to C.G. Jung. This course will examine the role of the shadow in aiding or interfering with our career goals. We will also focus on the role of the positive and negative anima/animus in leading us towards or away from a satisfying experience of our work life. We will look at career situations and dilemmas as a “mirror” of inner development, with an emphasis on the tasks that the ego is called upon to undertake, in both changes of attitude and practical steps. In addition, we will examine the role of the persona in achieving outer success. Class participants will be encouraged to bring material from their own careers for the discussion section of this course.