This dissertation is based on a theoretical and empirical synthesis. It offers a theoretical discussion of the burnout syndrome and its influences on surroundings, while the empirical part is performed through questionnaire research, where 69 respondents took part mainly from the University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice. The primary aim of this investigation is to illuminate attitudes of students regarding their readiness to face the burnout syndrome in school conditions and to collect information in regards to their reaction to this situation. The evaluated data, gained through the use of open questions, is represented in the charts. It investigates the advantages and disadvantages that the students feel before the start of their career and which can affect their career growth; or their way to failure. It is apparent from the results that the theoretical knowledge of the problematic issues are on a very good level. Most students believe, that they are well aware of what the burnout syndrome is about and that in case of it happening, they would know how to deal with it and where to look for help.

Over the last two decades research into the notion of empowerment has been focused on the three primary dimensions of process, outcomes and environment within the contexts of the individual, community groups and business organisations. As a psychological attribute, empowerment at the individual level has been investigated significantly by such theorists as Rappaport (1995) and Zimmerman (2000). However, studies in this field neglect deep understanding of the reality of the individual's experiences of the empowerment process. Definitions within the literature refer to empowerment as being a process which occurs over time for the individual who is personally challenged to achieve power and control within his/her own life context by the application and reflection of learning new knowledge and skills. The purpose of this investigative case study is to examine the reality of the empowerment process as it occurs in the individual lives of a group of women who have actively participated in the learning environment of an investment club over a 2 year period in Brisbane. The three dimensions of empowerment support the structure of the study with the findings evidencing 'authentic empowerment' is achieved when the individual seeks to operate within the dual learning environments of the supportive group as well as the solo learning environment. The reality of individual authentic empowerment proved to be a continuum of experience dependent upon the individual's levels of motivation, energy, decision-making abilities, knowledge, risk taking, confidence, time and goals. Sustainability of empowerment related to the participant's level of active involvement in the dual learning environments while accepting complete responsibility for actions and consequences.