Career Self-Efficacy: A Mixed-Methods Study of an Underexplored Research Area for First-Generation, Low-Income, and Underrepresented College Students in a Comprehensive College Transition Program

This mixed-methods study explored whether and how participation in a comprehensive college transition program serving low-income, first-generation, and underrepresented minority students is linked to the development of career self-efficacy in light of the latter’s link to persistence and college com...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The American behavioral scientist (Beverly Hills) 2020-03, Vol.64 (3), p.298-324
Main Authors: Kezar, Adrianna, Hypolite, Liane, Kitchen, Joseph A.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Career development
Careers
College students
Ecology
Low income groups
Marginality
Minority groups
Minority students
Mixed methods research
Occupational choice
Occupations
Participation
Self concept
Self-efficacy
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Summary:This mixed-methods study explored whether and how participation in a comprehensive college transition program serving low-income, first-generation, and underrepresented minority students is linked to the development of career self-efficacy in light of the latter’s link to persistence and college completion. Findings suggest that program participation is linked to career self-efficacy, and program participants report significantly higher levels of confidence in their major and career path compared with a control group. Qualitative results indicate that major and career support from college transition program staff and being connected to an ecology of major and career-related activities contributed to the development of program participants’ career self-efficacy. Results hold significance for college transition program design and call attention to an underexplored area of research in the quest to boost college completion for low-income, first-generation, and underrepresented minority students.
ISSN:0002-7642
1552-3381
DOI:10.1177/0002764219869409