Asian American career development: A qualitative analysis

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Nadya A. Fouad, Neeta Kantamneni, Melissa K. Smothers, Yung-Lung Chen, Mary Fitzpatrick, Sarah Terry

February 2008

Abstract-

This study used a modified version of consensual qualitative research design to examine how contextual, cultural, and personal variables influence the career choices of a diverse group of 12 Asian Americans. Seven domains of influences on career choices emerged including family, culture, external factors, career goals, role models, work values, and self-identity. Furthermore, several overarching themes were discovered that expressed elements of many of these domains. These themes highlighted the pervasive and influential role that both culture and family of origin play in the construction of meaning that these Asian American participants made from their career choices. Implications of these domains and themes and suggestions for future research are discussed.