Abstract: A shortage of female and minority students pursuing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers has prompted researchers and policy makers to examine the current STEM supply pipeline. This study examined factors influencing STEM career aspirations of a nationally representative sample of 9th-grade students (N = 21,444). Characteristics of students who aspired to STEM careers and non-STEM careers were examined. Guided by the career aspirations model (Mau & Bikos, 2000), the authors conducted logistic regression analyses to investigate variables predicting STEM career aspirations. Results indicated that race, gender, socioeconomic status, math interest, and science self-efficacy were the most important predictors of STEM career aspirations. Counselors in school and related career services contexts are encouraged to consider these important factors in identifying high school students who are interested in STEM career choices, as well as in planning career interventions to facilitate their career paths. Future researchers could test the applicability of this model with middle school students or adults.

Abstract: Career adaptability manifests itself through 4 self-regulated internal resources for coping with occupational challenges and transitions: concern, control, curiosity, and confidence. Few studies have examined career adaptability specifically in the Hong Kong context. The Career Adapt-Abilities Scale–China Form (CAAS-China; Hou, Leung, Li, Li, & Xu, 2012) was administered, along with measures of selfesteem and social support, to 522 Hong Kong Chinese undergraduate students. Results indicated that the CAAS-China is a reliable and valid instrument for use with these students. Data also showed that self-esteem was strongly associated with career adaptability, and this relationship was partially mediated by perceived social support. Implications for careers counseling in universities and colleges are discussed.

Abstract: The use of social media expands the availability and sources of career information. However, the authorship of this information has changed from traditional print media and multimedia sources created by experts to social media-based career information created by the users themselves. While variability in career information validity has been an issue for some time, rapid growth in the use of social media creates some unique challenges. The ease with which social media-based career information can spread creates the potential for rapid widespread dissemination of disinformation and biased perceptions. Potential sources of invalidity include: intentional bias (with or without profit motive), unintentional bias, restricted range of experience, out-of-date information, popularity bias, similarity bias, and context deficiency. We examine potential sources of social media-based career information invalidity and suggest implications for practice to help individuals make best use of such information.

Abstract: The present study investigated three dimensions of the working alliance—Goal, Task, and Bond —and the reduction of negative career-related thoughts A pre-test post-test design revealed a significant reduction in negative career thoughts after an initial career counseling interview provided to N = 87 college students Regression analysis revealed that Task predicted negative career thoughts The findings offer evidence of the effectiveness of career counseling and of the contribution of working alliance to counseling as a process and outcome variable