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Unsettled Horizon: Adolescents’ Career Expectations in Challenging Economic Contexts

Fri, April 25, 9:50 to 11:20am MDT (9:50 to 11:20am MDT), The Colorado Convention Center, Floor: Ballroom Level, Four Seasons Ballroom 1

Abstract

In a volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) world, equipping students to navigate these challenges is essential. While the impact on students' career adaptability remains underexplored. Using data from the Programme of International Student Assessment 2022, this study examined adolescents’ career planning in VUCA environments and revealed that (a) the proportion of adolescents unsure about their career choices nearly doubled from 2018, (b) youth NEET (Not in Employment, Education, or Training) rates were positively related to adolescents’ career indecisiveness, (c) extended school closures clouded high achievers’ career expectations more, and (d) disadvantaged students’ career prospects were diminished in high-income countries. Targeted interventions are necessary to address the needs of students from diverse backgrounds in making informed career decisions.

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