Preparing Racial Ethnic Minorities for the Work Force 2000

Abstract

The author examines important factors that impede ethnic minorities' career development. Relevant and culturally appropriate career intervention strategies for fostering the career development of persons of color are discussed.

Validity of the 1994 Strong Interest Inventory with racial and ethnic groups in the United States.

“…Recent predictions suggest that the United States population will be approximately one third racial–ethnic minority around the start of the 21st century (Betz & Fitzgerald, 1995; Fouad & Spreda, 1995; Hawks & Muha, 1991; National Advisory Mental Health Council (NAMHC), 1996; Okocha, 1994). As a result, the workforce can expect to experience a dramatic increase in minority participation.…”

“…As a result, the workforce can expect to experience a dramatic increase in minority participation. Unfortunately, if the trends of minority underrepresentation in higher education and other growing occupations, and the increased high school dropout rates of minority children (Hawks & Muha, 1991; Okocha, 1994) continue, then many minorities may face increasing rates of unemployment and underemployment. Given that career counseling is a popular and preferred source of professional help for many racial–ethnic minorities (Bowman, 1993; Carter & Swanson, 1990; Haverkamp, Collins, & Hansen, 1994), today's career counselors are in a unique position to facilitate their minority clientele's career development and preparation for the changing workforce.…”

Using Qualitative Appraisal Strategies in Career Counseling

“…In addition, informal career appraisal methods work very well with racial and ethnic minorities (Goldman, 1990(Goldman, , 1992Okocha, 1994). These techniques are flexible and can easily be adapted for use with a diverse clientele.…”

Preparing Minority Adolescents to Blend Work and Family Roles: Increasing Work-Family Conflict Management Self Efficacy

“…Okocha (1994) discussed intervention strategies to enhance career development for minorities, based on four variables leading to empowerment: (1) knowledge generated by ethnic minorities rather than by teachers or counselors, (2) recognition of minority cultures, (3) involvement of minority communities, and (4) advocacy for minorities.…”