Indigenous young adults experience disproportionately high rates of unemployment, which are exacerbated by systemic factors such as poverty and oppression (Britten and Borgen, 2010). Despite these challenges, many Indigenous young adults do well in their educational and employment pursuits (Bougie et al., 2013). This study explored what helped and hindered the career decision-making of 18 Indigenous young adults in Canada who see themselves as doing well in this regard. Using the enhanced critical incident technique (ECIT), a qualitative research method which focuses on helping and hindering factors (Butterfield et al., 2009), 13 categories were identified: (a) family/relationships and commitments, (b) setting goals/taking initiative/focusing on interests, (c) support from community/mentors, (d) a healthy way (physical, mental, social), (e) finding meaning/motivation and contributing, (f) networking and who you know, (g) systemic/external factors (institution, job-market, sexism, racism, interpersonal aspects), (h) financial situation, (i) Knowledge/Information/Certainty, (j) Experience (work/life), (k) educational opportunities/training and specialized education, (l) Indigenous background/cultural factors, and (m) courage and self-worth (vs. fear/doubt in self/others). These categories highlighted the systemic, interpersonal, and experiential processes in career decision-making for Indigenous young people in Canada. Implications for career counselling practice and future research are also discussed.
Published abstract.
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