Factors Influencing Career Choices of Adolescents and Young Adults in Rural Pennsylvania

Adolescent occupational choice is influenced by many factors, including life context, personal aptitudes, and educational attainment. Whether college-bound or work-bound, meeting the challenge of this developmental milestone is critical in adolescents' lives. The qualitative study reported here explored factors that play key roles in rural high school seniors and young adults career choice process. The cultural and social context of family and community were found to be instrumental in how youth learn about careers and influential in the choice process. Extension strategies that target parents and community to increase their involvement in youth career selection can promote sound career decisions.