Systemic Influences of the Socio‐Economic Environment on Career Development in Romania and Educational Policy Implications

Despite a robust body of academic research on the determinants of career development, the relationships between these variables remain unclear, particularly the influence of socio‐economic status. This ambiguity is counterproductive to policy efforts of increasing employability and social equality, among other measures, through national career development systems. Such reforms are currently being implemented in Romania, a South Eastern European country under‐researched in career development. Based on Social Cognitive Career Theory, this article explores the relationships between career exploration and structural determinants, specifically SES, parental support and career and vocational counselling, on a sample of 238 Romanian students. Utilizing Structural Equation Modelling, our results indicate that career exploration is positively associated with career decision self‐efficacy. Self‐efficacy is, in turn, positively associated with career‐related parental support and prior participation in pre‐university career and vocational counselling. Notably, there was no positive association between the SES indicators and parental support and SES and self‐efficacy. Theoretical implications of the empirical findings and practical applications for educational policy reforms aimed at building a national career development system in Romania are further discussed.