Career decision of recent first-generation postsecondary graduates at a metropolitan region in Canada: A social cognitive career theory approach

Abstract

Using social cognitive career theory by Lent, Brown and Hackett (1994), this research analyzed recent first-generation postsecondary graduates’ career perspectives and the difficulties of being first-generation graduates. The researcher found that recent first-generation postsecondary graduates in a Canadian metropolitan model their career pathway and decisions after peers with similar experiences. Also, the professional suggestions from parents were not available for both academic and career planning. This finding suggested career counselors should not only suggest career pathways to students based on their characteristics, but they should also connect their overall personal characteristics and academic majors. Earlier studies showed that students’ childhood and teenage experiences could influence their outcome expectations for career selection.