An Exploratory Study of the Career Aspirations and Self-Perceptions of University Honors Program Students

Abstract

This study examined the career aspirations and self-perceptions of University Honors Program students at Indiana State University. The current trend in education, especially gifted and talented education, focuses on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). How has this impacted the gifted and talented population when they become young adults ready to pursue college and careers? Are the interests and skills of University Honors Program students aligned with the majors they have chosen? What are their interests and skills? The research was conducted on the campus of Indiana State University. This is a public higher education campus whose University Honors Program has about 500 members. The sample consisted of 20 University Honors Students. Each participant was asked to complete the Self-Directed Search Assessment Booklet: A Guide to Educational and Career Planning (4th ed.). This instrument, created by Holland, is used to assist in career planning. A three letter code resulted from the Self-Directed Search (4th ed.) (Psychological Assessment Resources [PAR], 2004). The results of the study revealed a variety of majors, although STEM majors were the most prevalent. One identical match between the three letter career aspiration codes and the codes developed from the survey. However, three participants’ codes included the same three letters in different combinations and eleven participants had an acceptable match of two of the three letters. Five students had only one common occupational letter. Multipotentiality and Millennial characteristics were examined. The University Honors Program sample had strong Investigative and Social scores.