Young People’s Career-Seeking Information Behavior

This poster explores how college students in exploratory programs construct and interpret career-related information to make career decisions. A fulfilling career often aligns with one’s personality, talents, and values. However, career exploration support during adolescence is often limited, as career interventions typically prioritize academic preparation and college readiness over career development. Consequently, university exploratory programs can attract and support students seeking guidance before selecting a major and career path. Yet, gaps remain in understanding how cognitive skills and information behavior influence career decision-making from a comprehensive career development perspective. This project examines how young people engage in various career-related information behaviors—including searching, finding, creating, and maintaining information about career-related interests and topics—through a case study of a Midwest university’s exploratory program. It also explores the role of self-concept in career decision-making, drawing on sense-making theory and career construction theory. By identifying barriers students face in career information behavior, this research provides insights for professionals supporting young people in making informed career decisions.