The impact of career exploration on career development among Hong Kong Chinese University students

Abstract

Career exploration is widely believed to produce positive career development outcomes among college and university students. Some research has supported this belief, but there is little information about exactly which outcomes it affects and whether any benefits of career exploration can be observed beyond individualistic western cultures. We report findings from cross-sectional (N = 271) and longitudinal (N = 101) data provided by university students in Hong Kong. The amount of career exploration was associated with career decision self-efficacy and amount of information, but not with self-clarity or career decidedness. All the outcome variables except decidedness increased significantly over time. Career support, especially from teachers, was also associated with the outcome variables. The results and their practical implications are discussed in light of Hong Kong culture and the characteristics of its student population, as well as career development theory.