Excellent Sheep or Not? University Students’ Career Identity in China

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Saturday 11:45 am - Gold 3
  In Roundtable Session: Career and Pathway Exploration in Career and Technical Education and Workplace Learning

Abstract

Based on Porfeli’s identity status models, this qualitative study investigates emerging trends ofcareer identity construction among 27 elite university students under China’s parallel admission mechanism and parental expectations. In-depth semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis revealed three key findings: (1) widespread reconciliation and compromise in navigating ideal-reality conflicts; (2) emergence of a novel career identity status—awakening—characterized by recognition of premature commitments yet limited exploration, situated between foreclosure and moratorium; and (3) pervasive underdeveloped identity among elite students. The study extends career identity status model by integrating reconciliation/compromise as a critical dimension and proposing the awakening status. Findings underscore limited career preparedness among academically elite students and highlight the urgent need for contextually responsive career interventions in Chinese higher education.

Authors

• Yixing YANG, The Education University of Hong Kong

• Tingyan Wang, Shunde Polytechnic University