Who do low-income college students turn to for career guidance as they navigate their career pathways? A new article by PASS researchers Drs. Joseph Kitchen and Shinji Katsumoto, published in the Journal of Diversity in Higher Education, examines the career support networks that shape low-income students' career development during college. Drawing on longitudinal survey data from third- and fourth-year college students, the study found that students most frequently relied on peers, family members, instructors and advisors for career support, while career counselors, alumni, internship supervisors and other campus resources were cited far less often.

Study findings underscore the importance of recognizing and leveraging the existing assets, relationships and support networks low-income students have in the course of providing career development support. They also identify opportunities for colleges and universities to strengthen career development through more proactive and targeted outreach by faculty, advisors, career educators and counselors. The authors recommend engaging families as partners in students' career development, identifying and training peer leaders who can offer meaningful career guidance, incorporating discussions about the career-related messages students receive from peers and family members into advising conversations and encouraging more intentional, proactive career conversations across the campus community.

Read more for evidence-based recommendations and practical strategies for institutions seeking to enhance career development support for low-income college students: https://doi.org/10.1037/dhe0000747