College student career barriers: Brief O*NET exposure changes CBI-R scores

Abstract

Career barriers can limit or distort a student’s perception and pursuit of a career. Social Cognitive Career Theory includes multiple points where career barriers can discourage or derail goal selection and goal directed behavior related to career development and, by extension, the opportunity to enhance career development by addressing career barriers. In an attempt to better understand ways to address career barriers, college students were given a computer administered version of the Career Barriers Inventory-Revised (CBI-R) then spent 20 minutes exploring information available through the O* NET. Next, they completed the CBI-R again. We found significant decreases in reported barriers for one subscale, Difficulties with Networking or Socialization, and the total scale. Based on our results, exposure to the O* NET predicts a decrease in reported career barriers of students. Those seeking to increase students’ openness to career and academic options may have a low cost intervention that offers a beneficial impact.