Factors that influence the career development of African-American and Latino youth

This study was designed to explore the personal, social and institutional factors which facilitated the career development and choice of successful minority students. Twenty retrospective interviews were conducted with a select group of African-American and Latino undergraduates, who had chosen careers and were making considerable progress toward achieving them. Qualitative analysis revealed key themes within the contextual domains of self, home, school, and community. Results suggest that to enhance career decisions among minority students, efforts must be made to sustain parental support and to develop personal/academic confidence prior to college. This study adds to the existing literature by emphasising the need for role models in a variety of contexts and the importance of utilising critical events as learning experiences to help shape students' career development. A model that stipulates further research is presented.

This study was designed to explore the personal, social and institutional factors which facilitated the career development and choice of successful minority students. Twenty retrospective interviews were conducted with a select group of African-American and Latino undergraduates, who had chosen careers and were making considerable progress toward achieving them. Qualitative analysis revealed key themes within the contextual domains of self, home, school, and community. Results suggest that to enhance career decisions among minority students, efforts must be made to sustain parental ...  [+] Show more