Career Expectations Research Articles

Perspectives of Veterinary Students With Disabilities, Neurodiversity and/or Chronic Conditions on a Career in Equine Practice: A Qualitative Study

This qualitative phenomenological study explored factors influencing veterinary students with disabilities, neurodiversity, or chronic conditions (VSDNCC) in pursuing equine practice in the UK and Ireland. Equine practice is often seen as exclusive and unsupportive, 1 , 2 contributing to recruitment challenges. 3 , 4 This study examined career influences and the impact of equine placements on their decisions. Semi-structured interviews via Microsoft Teams explored the experiences and perceptions of VSDNCC in equine practice. Participants aged 18–29 years were recruited from UK and Irish veterinary schools through social media and referrals. The sample included six individuals with diverse diagnoses, often multiple. Thematic analysis identified four overarching themes and seven subthemes. Participants’ career decisions were influenced by factors such as work nature, environment, team dynamics, and preparedness, with perceptions varying by diagnosis. For instance, those with mobility issues considered accessibility, while neurodiverse participants focused on environmental control. Many reported ableism during equine extramural studies, negatively impacting their experience and career outlook. None encountered equine vets with similar conditions, highlighting the need for relatable role models to inspire their career aspirations. The equine veterinary industry is often seen as unwelcoming by VSDNCC, with ableism during extramural studies and a lack of relatable role models reinforcing exclusion. Greater openness from equine vets about their diagnoses and adjustments, along with supportive learning environments that encourage skill-building and accommodations, could improve perceptions and inspire VSDNCC to consider careers in equine practice.

Metaphoric perceptions of Turkish students on career decision-making self-efficacies and career expectations

The purpose of this study was to explore how gender, age, school type, grade level, residence, family income, family size, and parents’ education level influence students’ career decision-making self-efficacy. Additionally, the current study sought to uncover the metaphors high school students (HSS) use to articulate their perceptions of career decision-making and future career expectations, and how these metaphors reflect key constructs of the Social Cognitive Career Theory. The study involved 308 HSS and utilized an explanatory mixed-method research design. The results indicated a significant difference in the collection of career-related information and mean scores by school type. It was found that HSS perceived a high level of self-efficacy and career barriers concerning their career decision-making and future career. Another finding was that negative environmental factors create a sense of uncertainty in students’ expectations. The findings pointed to the need for counseling services to navigate students’ career decisions effectively.

The influence of psychological capital on employment expectations of vocational undergraduate students: The chain mediating role of active coping style and educational flow experience.

As vocational undergraduate students in China face increasing challenges in the job market, understanding the factors that shape their employment expectations is crucial. Psychological capital is considered a key factor influencing students' career outlooks. This study aims to examine the relationship between psychological capital (PC) and employment expectations (EE), while exploring the mediating roles of educational flow experience (EFE) and active coping style (ACS) in this relationship. Based on positive psychology and career development theories, a theoretical model was constructed to understand how psychological capital affects employment expectations through the chain mediation of educational flow experience and active coping style. A sample of 693 vocational undergraduate students (316 males and 377 females) from a university in Guangdong Province participated in the study. Participants completed the Psychological Capital Scale (PCS), the Career Expectation Scale (CES), the Educational Flow Experience Scale (EduFlow-2), and the Coping Style Scale (CSS). Results indicate that higher levels of psychological capital significantly predict stronger employment expectations. Moreover, educational flow experience and active coping style both serve as significant mediators in the relationship between psychological capital and employment expectations, with a chain mediation effect also observed. These findings provide valuable insights into the psychological processes that influence career expectations among vocational undergraduates, highlighting the importance of fostering psychological capital and creating supportive learning environments to improve students' employability. The results offer practical implications for educators and policymakers, suggesting that vocational institutions should integrate strategies to enhance psychological capital, promote educational flow experiences, and support active coping styles to better prepare students for the labor market.

Entrepreneurial intentions, career expectations, and life satisfaction of hospitality and tourism students

ABSTRACT Ensuring sustainable growth of the tourism industry, which is strategically important for the economy and employment in many countries, critically depends on understanding the life satisfaction, career expectations, and entrepreneurial intentions of future tourism industry professionals. Accordingly, this study examines the relationships between entrepreneurial intentions, life satisfaction, and career expectations of university students planning to pursue a career in the tourism industry. It also examines the role of gender in the relationships between entrepreneurial intentions, life satisfaction, and career expectations. Data were collected from 466 students in tourism and hospitality departments using questionnaires. The collected quantitative data were analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling. The results show that students with high entrepreneurial intentions have significantly higher life satisfaction and career expectations while life satisfaction affects career expectations, both directly and indirectly. The gender analyses revealed that the effect of entrepreneurial intentions on life satisfaction and career expectations is stronger for male than female students. These findings highlight the importance of approaches that encourage entrepreneurship and practices that strengthen career expectations in tourism and hospitality programmes. The findings also suggest strategic directions that can support the career development of future tourism professionals.

Using Large Language Models to Analyze Factors Influencing Academic Supervision Relationships in Qualitative Interviews With Postgraduate Nursing Students.

Nursing postgraduate supervisors serve as educators, mentors, and research facilitators, ensuring the holistic development of postgraduate students to meet the evolving demands of nursing care. This study explored factors influencing academic supervision relationships (playing a critical role in the academic and professional development of students). It innovatively applied 2 large language models (LLMs) to analyze qualitative interviews with postgraduate nursing students. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 14 nursing graduate students, and 2 LLMs widely used in China were used for interview transcript analysis. The themes extracted by 2 LLM models were highly consistent and can be grouped into 4 main categories: (1) academic supervisor-related factors: supervisory style, personal traits, leadership style, and research capabilities/resources; (2) student-related factors: independence, initiative, and career expectations; (3) academic supervisor-student interaction: communication frequency and quality and shared goals; and (4) environmental factors: academic environment and team culture. Active communication, clear role expectations, and cooperation optimize supervisory relationships, enhancing nursing training and research.

65 A cross-sectional survey of Scottish combined infection trainees: Career aspirations and expectations

65 A cross-sectional survey of Scottish combined infection trainees: Career aspirations and expectations

Sandtray as a Means of Discernment: A Case Report on the Use of the Sandtray as a Career Counseling Intervention

The role of a school counselor is unique in that it incorporates multiple counseling domains in which other counselors may specialize. Especially for secondary school counselors, their occupation tasks them with career, social-emotional, academic, and often family and relational counseling. For that matter, this may include drug counseling, pregnancy counseling, and prevention. Over time, the emphasis on mental health counseling has waxed and waned depending on current trends; however, the focus on career counseling has existed since the birth of the counseling movement. The authors favor a holistic approach to school-based career counseling that incorporates exploring intersecting aspects of self-identity as significant to career discernment. This case report details the use of sandtray counseling as a means of further defining the career aspirations and expectations of two twelfth-grade female students completing their high school coursework while discerning their post-graduation plans. The results of the sandtray exercise suggest that adolescents may sometimes be unaware of the differences between their own aspirations and the societal/familial expectations placed upon them. The school counselor’s office offers a safe space to untangle the factors that influence students’ college and career readiness.

The Influence of Family Socio-Economic on Children’s Gender Expectations in Macau

Gender roles reflect the way people are influenced by social expectations and specific cultural contexts. Parents usually project their gender beliefs into their childrearing. Macau, as a special administrative region, combines Asian and Western culture with authoritative parenting models and Western encouragement styles. This paper aims to explore how Macau parents’ socioeconomic status (SES) influences their gender expectations and their approach to gender education for young children. We gathered 84 valid questionnaires titled “Macau Parents’ Gender Expectations of Young Children” via an online portal. We examine the frequency of toy purchases, parental career expectations for their children, and the gender of primary caretakers, assessing variations by SES group. Ultimately, we conclude that higher family SES affords greater resources and opportunities for children while diminishing traditional gender stereotypes.

Promoting Reasonable Career Expectations and Maximizing Professional Fulfillment for Academic Oncologists: ASCO Recommendations for Academic Medical Centers.

In this statement, ASCO encourages academic medical centers to change their policies and expectations to enhance and promote the professional fulfillment of academic medical oncologists. The statement includes three recommendations directed to academic medical centers to further this goal: (1) establish reasonable clinical workloads for academic medical oncologists, (2) provide resources to enable medical oncologists to participate in and conduct research, and (3) develop and apply their standards for clinical workloads and research support, as well as career advancement and leadership opportunities, fairly and equitably across academic medical oncologists. Overall, improved career satisfaction is likely to result in retention of oncologists in the workforce. This is critical to support high-quality patient care, educate the next generation of cancer-focused professionals, and accelerate research discovering effective strategies for cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

Analysis on career aspirations and expectations of fishery-oriented learners on post-academic career directions

The fisheries industry holds significant value, both economically and ecologically, contributing to food security, employment, and sustainable resource management. By advocating for responsible consumption and supporting local fishers who prioritize sustainable methods, young people can help ensure the health of fish populations and aquatic ecosystems. This exploratory study analyzed the career aspirations of fishery-oriented students from Zamboanga City, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi. Fisheries students (n=30) were purposively sampled to be interviewed. They were asked about how they perceived their career aspirations and how the program influenced their perceptions. The study revealed that the quality of experience in the fisheries education program significantly influences students’ career aspirations. Effective program implementation leads to increased student engagement in the fisheries industry. Students with extensive laboratory experience were more likely to pursue laboratory-based careers, while exposure to global issues like overfishing and climate change motivated them toward sustainable fisheries management. Hands-on training and practical experiences, including fieldwork and laboratory projects, enhance students' competencies and confidence, preparing them for real-world challenges. Essentially, a positive learning environment fosters both skill development and professional aspirations among students, ultimately shaping their career paths in the fisheries sector.

Subjective socioeconomic status and vocational outcome expectations: A moderated mediation model

Through exploring the psychological dynamics within career development, this study investigated how subjective socioeconomic status (SSS) influences vocational outcome expectations (VOE) among university students. We hypothesized that (a) career adaptability would mediate this relationship, enhancing the positive impact of SSS on VOE, and (b) proactive personality would moderate the relationship between career adaptability and VOE. We used established scales for measuring the main variables with a sample of 834 Chinese undergraduates. The results supported our hypotheses, with career adaptability mediating the relationship between SSS and VOE, and proactive personality moderating the relationship between career adaptability and VOE. These findings provide valuable insights into enhancing career-development interventions, highlighting the importance of psychological resources and personal traits in shaping career expectations. Our research offers practical implications for educational institutions to more effectively support students’ career development.

Predicting Entrepreneurial Intention: The Impact of Career Expectations and Grit among University Students at Sultan Qaboos University

This study investigates the predictive effects of career expectations and grit on Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) students’ entrepreneurial intentions. In addition, the study examined the effects of demographic variables (gender, college and GPA) on the levels of entrepreneurial intention, career expectations and grit. The study sample consisted of (323) students from undergraduate levels at SQU. The results indicated that career expectations and the "perseverance of effort" domain in grit scale were able to predict entrepreneurial intention. Furthermore, based on demographic variables, a statistically significant difference was found in entrepreneurial intentions, career expectations, consistency of interest and perseverance of effort. Considering the current findings, the study recommended expanding research on factors influencing entrepreneurial intentions among university students by adding psychological and social variables as mediators and moderator's factors. Furthermore, the study emphasized the necessity for workshops and training programs to enhance students' understanding of the significance of career expectations and grit in entrepreneurial intention, given the evolution in the educational system. Keywords: Entrepreneurial intention, career expectations, grit, university students, Sultan Qaboos University, Sultanate of Oman.

Career Expectations in Certified Internship and Independent Study Students (MSIB)

Career Expectations in Certified Internship and Independent Study Students (MSIB)

Exploring the Association between Perceived Career Crisis, Discrepancy of Career Expectations, and Wellbeing among Hungarian Employees

The study aims to extend knowledge of how Discrepancy of Career Expectations, Perceived Career Crisis, and Wellbeing relate to each other, and thereby contribute to the theory and application of targeted wellbeing positive psychology interventions, with a special focus on Hungarian employees. Cross-sectional research was conducted to analyse whether there is a relationship between the level of Perceived Career Crisis and the Discrepancy between Current and Ideal Career Stages, the relationship between Perceived Career Crisis and Wellbeing, and which Wellbeing components seem to be overarching in the case of Perceived Career Crisis and Discrepancy. In the case of Discrepancy, there is a significant difference between distinct levels of Perceived Career Crisis. Our findings suggest that Autonomy, Optimism, and Empathy seem to be overarching Wellbeing components that might serve to reduce the potential negative outcomes of Discrepancy of Career Expectations and Perceived Career Crisis. Although further research is needed, these findings may help practitioners to further develop customised wellbeing and career management programmes, as well as to apply targeted interventions – as opposed to general solutions – to increase employees' career satisfaction.

Career and employability of business administration students in Brazil: an exploratory analysis

Considering the significant changes in the productive structure and their implications for the labor market, this study aims to explore career expectations and employability among university students of Business Administration in Brazil. To this end, an exploratory analysis was conducted based on a literature review and empirical research with 37 students, using electronic questionnaires. The results indicate that students highly value practical experience, such as internships, and recognize the importance of interpersonal skills for professional success. It is observed that the lack of practical experience is a central concern, as well as the competitiveness of the job market. It is concluded that career development strategies, such as internships and trainee programs, are essential to improve students' employability, highlighting the need for integration between theory and practice in the academic environment.

Women’s career and imposter syndrome: moderating effects of female role model and diversity management in the hospitality and tourism sector

PurposeThis study aims to examine the influence of imposter syndrome on women’s careers in the hospitality and tourism industry drawing on the role congruity theory of prejudice.Design/methodology/approachEmploying cross-sectional design, this research analyzed quantitative data from 574 women at various managerial levels using the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) technique.FindingsThe results show that imposter syndrome significantly impacts women employees’ engagement and organizational commitment. The study found that higher levels of diversity management and female role models have a stronger moderating effect on the relationship between imposter syndrome, career expectations, work-family balance, employee engagement, career advancement and organizational commitment whilst lower levels of diversity management and female role models have a weaker moderating effect on these relationships.Research limitations/implicationsThis study presents a new theoretical perspective on female employees’ challenges to career advancement. It expands the knowledge of imposter phenomenon and role congruity theory of prejudice, illustrating how imposter syndrome can be influenced not only by individual traits but also by institutional, situational or stereotypical factors.Practical implicationsThis work provides valuable insights for hotel policymakers and managers to implement policies that alleviate imposter syndrome and contribute to women’s career development and gender equality in workplaces.Originality/valueThis study can serve to raise awareness of women’s issues in the workplace and offer insightful guidance to organizations to promote diversity and women’s leadership. These pertain to how realistic human resources policies can be used to promote the well-being of hospitality and tourism women employees.

Engineers Turned Entrepreneurs: Unlocking Talent Retention through Entrepreneurial Orientation

The dual role of engineers as entrepreneurs is rarely utilized, often leading to inadequate in-house entrepreneurial orientation (EO) activities. This oversight hampers the development of potential entrepreneurs needed to drive organizational advancements in high technology and innovation. Rapid technological changes have reshaped engineers’ career expectations, emphasizing the need for enhanced skills and broader competencies to meet evolving industry demands. A decline in individual-level EO has been linked to engineers’ increased intention to leave their current roles. The objectives of this study are to investigate the role of engineers as entrepreneurs and to develop a conceptual framework that elucidates the relationship between individual dimensions of EO dimensions including innovativeness, proactiveness, autonomy, and risk-taking, and talent retention among engineers. This quantitative study adopts purposive sampling methods among manufacturing engineers located in Southern Region of Malaysia. The data will be analysed using PLS-SEM approach with SmartPLS. The findings highlight that engineers’ entrepreneurial roles are crucial for addressing engineering challenges, with these dual roles enhancing both technical and non-technical skills. Strong evidence supports using individual EO dimensions to assess engineers’ entrepreneurial behaviors and predict positive intentions to remain employed. Understanding these behaviors is essential for boosting career satisfaction and retention, thereby fostering organizational innovation and growth.

Shaping Career Satisfaction: The Influence of Professional Training and Expectations in Winter Hotel Employees

This study aims to examine the impact of professional progress, industry change challenges, and professional achievement on career satisfaction among winter hotel employees. By focusing on these key constructs, the research seeks to understand how specialized training and individual career expectations influence employees’ satisfaction levels. Additionally, the study investigates the moderating roles of career expectations and tourism education in the relationship between industry change challenges and career satisfaction. By examining how these factors interact, the research aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the dynamics that enhance employee satisfaction and retention in the winter tourism sector. The insights derived from this research are expected to offer valuable guidance for stakeholders in developing strategies that support both career development and educational enrichment, thereby promoting a more satisfied and committed workforce. The study targeted 157 out of 238 employees at the Palandöken Winter Tourism Center, employing a comprehensive survey methodology. Exploratory factor analysis was conducted to establish the sub-scales of the research. Following this, Hierarchical Multiple Regression Analysis was used to test the research questions. Results indicated that professional progress and professional achievement significantly positively impact career satisfaction. The study also revealed that career expectations and tourism education moderated the relationship between industry change challenges and career satisfaction, emphasizing the role of tailored educational programs. Despite this, industry change challenges had a lesser impact on career satisfaction compared to other factors, yet they still played a role in shaping overall employee contentment. Interestingly, no significant differences were found in career expectations based on employees’ gender, business divisions, or work shifts. These findings offer novel insights into employee satisfaction within the winter tourism sector, particularly in the context of winter hotel tourism in Turkey.

INFLUENCE OF BLACK HBCU STEM DOCTORAL STUDENTS’ INTERSECTING IDENTITIES ON THEIR VALUES AND EXPECTATIONS TOWARD ENTERING THE PROFESSORIATE

Intersecting identities influence the career values and expectations of Black STEM doctoral students. While previous research on this population focuses primarily on Black students attending predominately White institutions (PWIs), this study adds to the literature by amplifying the voices of Black historically Black colleges and universities (HBCU) STEM doctoral students. The authors used interpretive phenomenological analysis to understand the influence of intersecting identities of Black HBCU STEM doctoral students intending to enter the professoriate. Using critical race and intersectionality theories as a lens, the authors analyzed the responses of 11 doctoral students across several focus groups. Four themes captured the influence of their overlapping identities on their career values and expectations: (1) Representation, emphasizing the presence of "someone like me" in the professoriate; (2) Intersecting identities, leaning into being part of multiple groups marginalized within STEM yet unapologetically bringing their whole selves into STEM spaces and pushing back against racism, sexism, and other "isms"; (3) inclusivity and affirmation, promoting STEM diversity, enhancing opportunities, and validating the scholarly contributions of and with people who might otherwise be excluded; and (4) changing the narrative, working to change prevailing stereotypes about Black people in STEM. The authors conclude this work with implications that could improve the scholarship, experiences, and success of Black HBCU STEM doctoral students intending to enter the professoriate.

CAREER EXPECTATION DIFFERENCES BETWEEN SOCIAL SCIENCES AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION STUDENTS

The purpose of the present study is to analyze the career expectation differences between social sciences and physical education students. The participants were 306 students aged between 18 and 32 years, MAge = 20.32, SD = 2.39, 178 enrolled in the Faculty of Physical Education and Sports and 128 students enrolled in the Faculty of Social Sciences (42%). Career discrepancy was measured with Career Discrepancy Scale (Creed & Hood, 2015), translated for the purpose of this study to assess the four dimensions of career discrepancy: achievement discrepancy, effort discrepancy, standards discrepancy, and ability discrepancy. The results show that there are significant differences for all the four domains of career discrepancy, with sports students reporting lower scores. In the conclusions, the practical implications of the obtained results are discussed.