A portrait in words: using self-characterization sketches as an innovative method to explore work identities

George Kelly in his Personal Construct Theory conceived self-characterisation sketches as a method for exploring individual views of the self. This chapter illustrates their innovative application as a research method for gaining insights into the changing construal of work identity in a group of undergraduate students as they progressed through their degrees. The process used for collection and analysis of the sketches is described, along with a reflection on what their use added to the research. A case study of one participant illustrates how insights into construal of work identity can be gained by use of the self-characterisation sketch and its analysis protocol. The chapter closes with an outline of limitations and ideas for further development of this innovative approach.