This document summarizes a qualitative study on how working class university students in their final year make career decisions. It finds that contrary to expectations, financial factors did not seem to be the main influence on students' behaviors. Students focused on achieving good grades rather than extracurricular activities and lacked awareness of how to improve their employability. They also took a serial rather than simultaneous approach to tasks. The students' social networks provided limited career guidance and students were reluctant to use the university careers service due to intimidation, lack of need, or lack of awareness. While students exhibited some traits thought to characterize the working class, such as preferring informal sources of information, they generally had realistic rather than low aspirations. The study concludes working class

Working - Class Students and The Career Decision Making Process (2008) PDF

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