Telling the future: a qualitative examination of the career preparations and expectations of African American high school seniors

Abstract

[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AT AUTHOR'S REQUEST.] The purpose of the current research study is to provide an understanding of the school to career transition processes used by African American adolescents from their own subjective frame of reference. This study examined the career aspirations and educational goals of African American adolescents. Additionally, it examined the career plans, exploration, and maturity of adolescents with consideration to the six, primary constructs that influence vocational self-understanding (Lapan & Kosciulek, 2001). Consensual qualitative research (C.E. Hill, B.J. Thompson, & E. Nutt-Williams, 1997) was used to describe the perspectives of the participants. Eight high school seniors between the ages of 17 and 19 were interviewed using the Structured Career Development Interview (Lapan, 2000). Results suggest that academic achievement, goals and expectations, perseverance, proactive opportunity seeking, and primary support systems (e.g. parents, siblings, extended family, and peers) are salient variables related to career development. Implications for career counseling research and interventions with African American adolescents are discussed.