Career Guidance and Decision-Making Among American Youth
Decisions
Without
Direction
Career Guidance and Decision-Making
Among American Youth
A study conducted for Ferris State University’s
Career Institute for Education and Workforce Development, in partnership with the National Association of Manufacturers, the Precision Metalforming Association Educational Foundation and the Associated Equipment Distributors Foundation
May 2002
Table of Contents
Executive Summary
A brief overview of the findings and conclusions from the national study
1
Comprehensive Report and Data Summary
Complete findings and overview of the survey instrument and data
9
Appendices
Two recent journal articles addressing issues in career counseling and decision-making, as well as overviews of career-development, research and educational efforts supported by the study’s sponsors
57
Decisions Without Direction:
Career Guidance and Decision-Making
Among American Youth
Copyright 2002
Ferris State University
Career Institute for Education and Workforce Development
Dan Hurley and Jim Thorp, editors, with data collection and assistance from EPIC-MRA, Lansing, MI
Executive Summary
Overview: Toward Better Career Prep
Without question, young people face many of life’s most important decisions in those transition years between high school and the working world. Unfortunately, too many students are unaware of their education and employment options. The path they follow to their careers is indirect, and their decisions are often based on scant information.
The nation’s career guidance system is falling short. Business interests call for more properly trained workers, at the same time questioning the value of a traditional four-year college education in providing that training. Research shows a stark disconnect between the courses of study students pursue and existing career openings and business needs. Educators have seen relatively low interest in technology programs despite continuing
Without
Direction
Career Guidance and Decision-Making
Among American Youth
A study conducted for Ferris State University’s
Career Institute for Education and Workforce Development, in partnership with the National Association of Manufacturers, the Precision Metalforming Association Educational Foundation and the Associated Equipment Distributors Foundation
May 2002
Table of Contents
Executive Summary
A brief overview of the findings and conclusions from the national study
1
Comprehensive Report and Data Summary
Complete findings and overview of the survey instrument and data
9
Appendices
Two recent journal articles addressing issues in career counseling and decision-making, as well as overviews of career-development, research and educational efforts supported by the study’s sponsors
57
Decisions Without Direction:
Career Guidance and Decision-Making
Among American Youth
Copyright 2002
Ferris State University
Career Institute for Education and Workforce Development
Dan Hurley and Jim Thorp, editors, with data collection and assistance from EPIC-MRA, Lansing, MI
Executive Summary
Overview: Toward Better Career Prep
Without question, young people face many of life’s most important decisions in those transition years between high school and the working world. Unfortunately, too many students are unaware of their education and employment options. The path they follow to their careers is indirect, and their decisions are often based on scant information.
The nation’s career guidance system is falling short. Business interests call for more properly trained workers, at the same time questioning the value of a traditional four-year college education in providing that training. Research shows a stark disconnect between the courses of study students pursue and existing career openings and business needs. Educators have seen relatively low interest in technology programs despite continuing