Gifted Goals: Exploring Differences in Career and Life Goals for Collegiate Honors Students

• In Event: Talent Pipelines and Summer Programs

Abstract

This study extends research on specific needs and characteristics of gifted individuals to the postsecondary level, using data from the 2019-2022 administrations of National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE). Exploring differences for life and career goals between honors and nonhonors students in a sample of 22,161 seniors at 23 universities, means comparisons suggested that honors students were less likely to emphasize monetary goals, but more likely to emphasize social impact and work that reflects interests and values. A series of regression models confirmed these differences, also controlling for other student identity and institutional characteristics. These findings support the continued need for studying honors program participation and provide evidence for specialized career advising to best meet the needs of this population.

Authors

• Angie L. Miller, Indiana University

• Andrew Cognard-Black, St. Mary's College of Maryland