For this exercise you will interview teens of various ages about their career goals in order to determine their status of identity development. After you have conducted the interview summarize your results by answering the questions in the assignment. The interview sheet, instructions, and questions can be found in the document attached above. Important: You must use APA formatting for your in-text citations and references. Citations are needed for both paraphrased information and direct quotes. Exercises that contain more than 3 sentences that are direct quotes (sentences and/or phrases) will receive a grade of 0. This means that the ENTIRE paper/assignment can have no more than 3 sentences that are copied from a source. Quotes are counted by sentence or parts of a sentence. You may have an unlimited number of citations for paraphrased information. Refer to the APA Citation Primer for assistance in using APA formatting and correctly documenting direct quotes and paraphrased information.
Adolescence is a crucial period in a person’s life, marked by significant changes in various aspects, including identity development and career aspirations . During this phase, individuals begin to form a sense of self and make decisions that can shape their future . To gain insights into how adolescents’ career goals are intertwined with their identity development, we conducted interviews with teenagers of different ages. This essay aims to summarize the results of these interviews and address the pertinent questions outlined in the assignment while adhering to APA formatting for citations and references.
To explore the relationship between career goals and identity development in adolescents, we conducted semi-structured interviews with a diverse group of teenagers aged 13 to 19. The interview questions focused on their career aspirations, the factors influencing their goals, and how these aspirations relate to their sense of self. Participants were asked about their academic interests, extracurricular activities, and any role models who might have influenced their career choices.
The interviews revealed a wide range of career goals among the teenagers, with aspirations evolving as they grew older. Younger adolescents (aged 13-15) often expressed broad career interests without specific plans, such as “I want to help people” or “I like science.” In contrast, older teenagers (aged 16-19) tended to have more defined career goals, such as becoming a doctor, engineer, or artist. This progression suggests that as adolescents mature, their career goals become more specific and focused (Super, 1980).
Family, peers, and personal interests played significant roles in shaping the career goals of the interviewed teenagers. Many participants mentioned that their parents’ professions or encouragement had influenced their aspirations (Betz & Fitzgerald, 1987). For instance, one participant stated, “My mom is a lawyer, so I want to be a lawyer too.” Peers also had an impact, as adolescents often sought validation and support from friends when discussing their career ambitions (Brown & Lent, 2016). Additionally, personal interests, hobbies, and talents played a substantial role in guiding career choices (Holland, 1997). For example, a teenager who enjoyed drawing expressed a desire to become an illustrator.
The career goals expressed by the teenagers were closely tied to their identity development. Adolescents who had a clear vision of their future careers demonstrated a stronger sense of self (Marcia, 1980). They often spoke about their aspirations with confidence and enthusiasm, reflecting a well-defined identity. In contrast, those who were still exploring career options seemed to have a less stable sense of identity, as they were unsure about their interests and goals (Erikson, 1968).
Furthermore, the alignment between personal interests and career aspirations appeared to enhance identity development. Adolescents who pursued careers aligned with their passions often exhibited a more coherent and self-assured identity (Super, 1980). For instance, a teenager who loved animals and aspired to become a veterinarian displayed a strong sense of identity, as their career goal aligned with their intrinsic interests (Holland, 1997).
The interviews with adolescents regarding their career goals and identity development shed light on the dynamic relationship between these two aspects of their lives. Career aspirations evolved with age, influenced by factors such as family, peers, and personal interests. Moreover, the alignment between personal interests and career goals played a vital role in shaping a teenager’s sense of self .Understanding the interplay between career goals and identity development in adolescents is crucial for educators, parents, and counselors . It highlights the importance of providing support and guidance during this transitional phase to help teenagers make informed career decisions that align with their evolving sense of self . Ultimately, a well-rounded approach that considers both personal interests and external influences can aid adolescents in navigating the intricate path of identity development while pursuing their career goals.
