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Title: An investigation of how career-related influences shape career-related decisions and behaviors of black male collegians

Citation Type: Dissertation/Thesis

Publication Year: 2015

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Abstract: The purpose of this study is to understand the process through which Black male collegians make decisions about their intended career choice. That is, what actors, factors, or conditions shape their within-college career-related decisions (e.g., major choice, out-of-class involvement) that influence their career path/choice? The main research questions that this study addressed: 1. What do Black male collegians report as important influences on their intended career choice? 2. How do these important influences shape Black male collegians career-related decisions in college? Black male collegians at three public universities in a Midwestern state participated in this study. Information was collected through a demographic form and a semi-structured interview. Grounded theory methods were used to guide data collection and analysis. Trustworthiness of the data collected was ensured through multiple methods of data collection, member checking, and use of a research partner to limit potential bias as a result of my experiences and perspectives that relate to this study. Findings from this study suggest that major influences of Black male collegians on their career choice include family, peers, role models, and career-related activities from early childhood through college. These influences had a major impact on how students approached decisions about their academic major and career choices during their time in college. Students that reported a high level of pre-collegiate career-related experiences, in contrast to their peers, were less likely to change their academic major, provided more specific details about the type of career they desire and plan to obtain it. These students were also more involved in career-related activities in college (ex: internships, research and student organization related career choice). In addition, students with a low level of pre-collegiate career-related experiences were able to compensate for their lack of career exploration through involvement in extracurricular activities in college related to vocational development. Last, Black male collegians reported that involvement in career-related extracurricular activities either provided insight into new career options or validated current career goals. This study illustrates how instrumental pre-collegiate career-related experiences are in the career choice decisions of Black male collegians. Students in this study that had career-related experiences throughout their pre-collegiate years had a higher level of career decision-making self-efficacy in college. This finding demonstrates the connectedness between pre-collegiate and higher educational experiences. Further research on career-related experiences of Black male collegians is needed to inform effective practices throughout the spectrum of education.

Url: file:///C:/Users/emmeyer/Downloads/Dissertation_TMS_Finalr2.pdf

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Authors: Suddeth, Todd M

Institution: Ohio State University

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Data Collections: IPUMS USA

Topics: Education, Race and Ethnicity

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