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Career Preparation: A Longitudinal, Process-Oriented Examination.
Kate Stringer1, Jennifer Kerpelman, Vladimir Skorikov
1Auburn University Department of Human Development and Family Studies 203 Spidle Hall Auburn University, AL 30349.
Journal of Vocational Behavior
|August 2, 2011
Summary
Adolescent career preparation involves planning, decision-making, and confidence. These dimensions evolve uniquely over time but remain interconnected, with planning and decision-making paving the way for confidence.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Career Development
- Adolescent Psychology
Background:
- Career preparation is crucial for adult transitions.
- Existing research highlights interrelations between career preparation dimensions.
- Gaps remain in understanding temporal changes and longitudinal associations during high school transition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine changes in career planning, decision-making, and confidence over time.
- To investigate the interrelationships among these dimensions during the high school transition.
- To bridge identity process literature with career construction theory.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study examining patterns of change in career preparation dimensions.
- Parallel process models to test associations between slopes and intercepts.
- Utilized identity process perspective and career construction theory.
Main Results:
- Career preparation dimensions showed distinct developmental trajectories over time.
- Cross-sectional and longitudinal associations were found among all dimensions.
- Career planning and decision-making were identified as precursors to career confidence.
Conclusions:
- Career preparation processes share similarities with identity development.
- Findings support career construction theory and identity process literature.
- Career planning and decision-making are foundational for building career confidence.
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