At the end of their final year of high school, young people in the study expressed optimism about entering the career area of their choice and they expected to be successful workers in challenging jobs which offered personal satisfaction. About half the respondents indicated some concern about meeting post-secondary entrance standards. At the end of the study, some of the young people were interviewed. Positive factors included supportive family and friends, making money, satisfying leisure activities, personal achievements, and educational success. Developmentally, the young people were trying to meet personal and career-related needs, which were in a state of flux and uncertainty.
Many young people leave high school with a narrow plan of action and with few alternatives.
They fully expect to be successful with the plan and are not prepared to face any barriers. Developing flexibility in career planning requires a sense of purpose, problem solving skills, and several plans. Self-Advocacy and Marketing . As young people move towards further education, or into the labor market, it is critical for them to market and advocate for themselves. With scarce opportunities and confusing bureaucracies, there is a need to develop communication skills, self-confidence, organizational adaptability, and effectiveness in human relations.