Facilitating the Career Development of Minorities: Doing it Differently This Time

Abstract

Although the early vocational educators were committed to social change, they inadvertently reinforced differences between social groups. Counselors today have a unique opportunity to effect social change. Demographic shifts suggest t h a t minorities who are educationally and occupationally prepared will face fewer racial barriers in the future labor market. To prepare minority students to take advantage of anticipated demographic shifts, counselors will need to avoid the same inadvertent mistakes made by their predecessors. To accomplish this, counselors can recommit to career education and counseling, ensure equal access to their services, and alter the context of their interventions.

Predictors of Educational Aspirations Among Adolescent Gifted Students of Color

“…The continuing and dramatically low proportion of members of American ethnic minority groups across many professional occupations is reflective of their underrepresentation in graduate training programs (Carter & Wilson, 1993). The counselor's role in supporting the educational aspirations of talented ethnic minority students is critical (Hawks & Muha, 1991). Career exploration workshops specifically designed for gifted students of color are one possible form of support.…”

Career Counseling with African American College Students

“…In order for counselors to to be advocates, Hawks and Muha (1991) argued that they &dquo;must maintain and convey high expectations for minority students&dquo; (p.258). Counselors also can advocate for students by ensuring that there is equal access to career services.…”

“…Hawks and Muha (1991) stated the importance of considering how interests, ability, gender, goals and experience of minority students may vary in content and develop in ways that are different from their White counterparts. As an example, they cite how leadership for an African American student may be exhibited through church activities, ethnic youth groups or even familial obligations, rather than through campus student government organizations.…”

“…Cummins (1986) outlined four contextual characteristics which can empower and facilitate the career development of minority students. Based on the four characteristics outlined by Cummins (1986), Hawks and Muha (1991) made several recommendations for practice. Although, their recommendations do not focus specifically on post-secondary institutional contexts, they can be modified to work within a college or university career center setting.…”

“…Although, their recommendations do not focus specifically on post-secondary institutional contexts, they can be modified to work within a college or university career center setting. The four contextual recommendations identified (Cummins, 1986;Hawks & Muha, 1991) are as follows:…”