From Whom Do Young Adults Actively Seek Career Information? An Ego-network Analysis of Vocational Anticipatory Socialization

Abstract

ABSTRACTUsing an ego network analysis, this study examined how young adults actively seek out vocational anticipatory socialization (“VAS”) information and whether there is a difference between those who report knowing or not knowing their future career paths. Findings reveal that young adults follow Jablin’s model for their sources of information. Further, significant gender patterns emerged. Respondents suggest that sex specific role models, experiences, and information drive their information seeking. Additional findings indicate that knowing one’s career path is significantly associated with confidence, time talking, and career discussions with alters, but not with network size.