Perceived Career Barriers and Career Decidedness of First‐Generation College Students

Abstract

We examined the effects of perceived career barriers on career decidedness among first‐generation college (FGC) students (n = 149) and non‐FGC students (n = 182) at a 4‐year university (mean age = 19.3 years). Participants responded online to measures of perceived career barriers and career decidedness. Results indicated that FGC students scored higher on lack of support and lack of time and financial resources than non‐FGC students. For both groups, higher levels of perceived lack of skills were related to lower levels of career decidedness, whereas greater levels of family‐related responsibilities predicted higher levels of career decidedness. FGC student status moderated the association between perceived lack of time/financial resources and career decidedness. Further research is needed to investigate the differential effects of various domains of career barriers. Career counselors are advised to consider FGC students' perceived career barriers in guiding students' career exploration and decision‐making.