Miller, M.J. & McDougle, K.O. (1986, October). Factors high school students consider in making career plans. Psychological Journal, Special issue(part one), 598.

OVERVIEW

This important study gauges the opinions of high school students regarding the significance of specific forms of career guidance. It also ranks methods of career guidance according to what was found to be most helpful.

DESIGN

A survey was administered to ninety urban high school seniors (36 boys and 54 girls) to learn which factors they considered most important in helping them decide upon their post-graduate career plans.

FINDINGS

The students indicated that work experience, family, and, school counselors were very helpful in helping them with career decisions. An interesting difference was that girls considered work experience and grades to be most important regarding career plans; boys believed that extracurricular activities and guidance counselors were most helpful.

CONCLUSION

Guidance counselors are key in assisting young people in their career decision process. Furthermore, successful career development programs include an opportunity for parents and members of the community to describe their work responsibilities to students. Also valuable is the placement of young people in volunteer and community service roles so that they may gain valuable experience and the opportunity to discern their career interests.

CRITIQUE AND EVALUATION

Though very short and simple, this study supports the notion that young people greatly appreciate adults, especially guidance counselors, in the career decision-making process.

IMPLICATIONS

1. Career guidance is an excellent way for youth and adults to work together.
2. Boys and girls have slightly different needs regarding career planning. Girls seem to find their career interests through actual work experience and academics; boys depend more on guidance counselors and extracurricular activities.
3. Youth leaders need to provide opportunities for kids to discover their potential in areas such as leadership, organization, and presentation.