CAREER EXPLORATORY BEHAVIORS OF POSTSECTONDARY AGRICULTURE STUDENTS

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the extent of career exploratory behaviors of students enrolled in Iowa State University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Career exploration was measured using the self and environmental exploration scales of the Career Exploration Survey (CES; Stumpf, Colarelli, Hartmann, 1983). A MANOVA indicated significant main effects for year in school for the environmental and self exploration scales. For both the environmental and self exploration scales, seniors scored significantly higher than freshmen, indicating greater use of these career exploration strategies in the career exploration process. Findings of this study were consistent with theory and research suggesting that college students are primarily in the exploration phase of career development. Recommendations and implications for students enrolled in postsecondary programs of agriculture are presented.