Career development as explained by children and adolescents: How can career educators respond?

Abstract

This paper examines the processes of career development experienced by children and adolescents in the school age groups: preschool, infant, primary, secondary and post-compulsory. The data was gathered through focus group interviews and was analysed to determine the subjects' understanding and experience of career development. The findings established that career development is experienced and understood by subjects of all school age groups, and that it is affected by a complex array of influences. The study clearly establishes the processes of career development experienced by the children and adolescents in the study. As a result, it is recommended that career education be included in the school curriculum from preschool to the postcompulsory school years, and that career decision making and career education be set within the broader context of career development.