Explores unconscious influences on career choice using a psychoanalytic-existential framework. Case studies illustrate how internalized images of their fathers led two men to management and entrepreneurial careers and influenced later feelings of burnout. (Contains 72 references.) (SK)

A 14-week career assistance program was provided to 20 male cricketers aged 15-16. Their measures of athletic identity, ego identity, and career thoughts were compared with 11 controls. The experimental group improved career goal decidedness, career awareness, and recognition of the need for career options outside sports. (Contains 24 references.)…

A survey of 1,451 Australian secondary students indicated that 18% participated in structured work placements, 54% in other paid work experience. Despite claims of the superiority of structured placements, other types of work experience also enhanced career awareness, improved self-esteem, and contributed to school-to-work transition. (Contains 28…

A research review identified a range of family process variables associated with enhanced career development for adolescents and young adults. Findings were consistent with the theories of Roe (personality development and career choice) and Super (life-span, life-space) regarding the influence of family processes on career development. (Contains…

Measures of self-esteem, job search behavior and cultural values were completed by 899 Singaporean postsecondary students. Self-esteem was not related to informal job sources (family, friends) but significantly related to formal ones (ads, employment agencies). Perceived Asian values were a powerful predictor of reliance on informal sources. (SK)

A career counseling program for unemployed clients referred by employment agencies includes a structured interview, personality type assessment, vocational assessment, and feedback to the agency. It is designed to generate insight into vocational aspirations and pathways and promote self-esteem with the goal of increasing employability. (SK)

Four theoretical streams--contexualism/ecology, systems theory, realism/constructivism, and chaos theory--contributed to a theory of individuals as complex, unique, nonlinear, adaptive chaotic and open systems. Individuals use purposive action to construct careers but can make maladaptive and inappropriate choices. (Contains 42 references.) (SK)

Vocational education and training (VET) teachers in Australian secondary schools (n=11) identified the following influences on adoption of National Training Packages: ways in which teachers construct meaning for innovations, organizational culture, infrastructure, leadership, and policy. More time, training, and a coordinator helped embed and…

Either semistructured interviews derived from systems theory framework (STF) or standard interviews were used with 18 counseling clients. Measures of self-exploration, environmental exploration, and attribution style supported the merit of STF interviews as an alternative career assessment method. (Contains 28 references.) (SK)

Factors influencing career behavior of rural Australian secondary students from a regional center (n=218) and outer metropolitan school (n=89) were studied. College aspirations were similar. Parent encouragement, garde expectations, and relevance of college to employment were inhibitors or encouragers dependent on local culture. (Contains 47…

In study 1, 28 college career counselor competencies were identified using a nominal group panel of seven participants. In study 2, 20 counselors rated these competencies, overwhelmingly endorsing 20 of them as valuable. (Contains 21 references.) (SK)

Of 2,800 students, 506 responded to an initial survey and 100 to a follow-up; 52 attended information sessions; 12 received individual counseling. Most were satisfied with degree and career plans but felt they received inadequate help. Those who accessed career services tended to be dissatisfied. (Contains 13 references.) (SK)

Australian girls (n=21) received 6 weeks of mentoring from 19 retail and information/communications technologies professionals, a structured workbook, and a career guidance workshop. Pre/postprogram data from girls, mentors, and school staff showed the program was effective in providing realistic, relevant information about growth industry…

Reviews research on the current status of skill requirements in Australian industries, industry demand for vocational education and training, ways in which enterprises perceive training (cost or investment), and vocational education in secondary schools. Derives implications for career development, including increased demand for flexibility and…

Measures of career self-efficacy and work activity self-efficacy were completed by 405 male and 346 female Singaporean university students. Men had significantly higher self-efficacy in realistic and enterprising occupations, women in artistic, investigative, and social occupations. Gender differences in career self-efficacy were predicted by…