Career Preparedness in Adolescents: An Overview of Empirical Research and Suggestions for Practice

Steiner, R. S., Marciniak, J., Johnston, C. S., & Hirschi, A. (2019). Career preparedness in adolescents: An overview of empirical research and suggestions for practice. In J. A. Athanasou & H. N. Perera (Eds), International handbook of career guidance (2nd Ed, pp. 305-323). Springer.

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Abstract

The present chapter provides an overview of the theoretical and empirical research on career preparedness among adolescents and derives implications for practice. We integrate various conceptualisations of career preparedness and suggest that career preparedness can be understood as a multidimensional construct consisting of attitudes, knowledge and competencies, and behaviours. Moreover, we summarise recent research on predictors and outcomes of career preparedness. Research on outcomes highlights that career preparedness is related to beneficial outcomes in various domains of adolescents’ lives (e.g., work, education). Research on predictors demonstrates the relevance of personal factors (e.g., work- related attitudes and motivations) as well as environmental factors (e.g., career interventions) to foster career preparedness in adolescents. Finally, based on the empirical evidence discussed in this chapter, we develop suggestions and guidelines for practitioners on how adolescents can be supported in the process of career preparation.

Keywords: career preparedness; adolescents; career preparation; career maturity; career readiness.

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Predictors of a Protean Career Orientation and Vocational Training Enrollment in the Post-School Transition

Steiner, R. S., Hirschi, A., & Wang, M. (2019). Predictors of a protean career orientation and vocational training enrollment in the post-school transition. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 112, 216-228. doi:10.1016/j.jvb.2019.03.002

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The post-school transition is a critical transition for adolescents and understanding when and how it results in beneficial outcomes is a pressing issue. We integrate career construction theory and social cognitive career theory and investigate a sequential model of predictors and outcomes at various stages in the post-school transition process. We focus on a protean career orientation as an important subjective transition outcome and whether adolescents continue with high school or vocational education and training (VET) as an important objective transition outcome. We propose that personal and contextual socio-cognitive factors during school (i.e., occupational self-efficacy beliefs and perceived career barriers) relate to the transition outcomes indirectly through their effects on vocational identity clarity. We tested our hypotheses among a sample of 819 Swiss adolescents, based on a time- lagged study with three waves over a period of three years. Results of structural equation modeling showed that occupational self-efficacy beliefs positively, and perceived career barriers negatively related to vocational identity clarity. A clear vocational identity in turn predicted a higher probability of VET enrollment compared to high school enrollment after school. Unexpectedly, a clearer vocational identity related to a weaker protean career orientation. Implications for post-school transition research and the protean career literature are discussed.

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Career decision making, stability and actualization of career intentions: The case of entrepreneurial intentions

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Hirschi, A. (2013). Career decision making, stability and actualization of career intentions: The case of entrepreneurial intentions. Journal of Career Assessment, 21(4), 555-571, doi:10.1177/1069072712475287

Work values as predictors of entrepreneurial career intentions: A longitudinal analysis of gender effects

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Hirschi, A. & Fischer, S. (2013). Work values as predictors of entrepreneurial career intentions: A longitudinal analysis of gender effects. Career Development International, 18(3), 216-231. doi:10.1108/CDI-04-2012-0047

Assessing difficulties in career decision-making among Swiss adolescents with the German My Vocational Situation Scale

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Hirschi, A. & Herrmann, A. (2013). Assessing difficulties in career decision-making among Swiss adolescents with the German My Vocational Situation Scale. Swiss Journal of Psychology, 73(1), 43-52. doi:10.1024/1421-0185/a000097

Career-choice readiness in adolescence: Developmental trajectories and individual differences

Hirschi, A. (2011). Career-choice readiness in adolescence: Developmental trajectories and individual differences. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 79(2), 340-348. doi:10.1016/j.jvb.2011.05.00

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Engagement in adolescent career preparation: Social support, personality, and the development of choice decidedness and congruence

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Hirschi, A., Niles, S. G., & Akos, P. (2011). Engagement in adolescent career preparation: Social support, personality, and the development of choice decidedness and congruence. Journal of Adolescence, 34, 173-182. doi: 10.1016/j.adolescence.2009.12.009

Swiss adolescents’ career aspirations: Influence of context, age, and career adaptability

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Hirschi, A. (2010). Swiss adolescents’ career aspirations: Influence of context, age, and career adaptability. Journal of Career Development, 36(3), 228-245. doi:10.1177/0894845309345844

The relation of secondary students' career choice readiness to a six-phase model of career decision-making

Hirschi, A., & Läge, D. (2007). The relation of secondary students' career choice readiness to a six-phase model of career decision-making. Journal of Career Development, 34(2), 164-191. doi: 10.1177/0894845307307473 

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