American Indian perspectives on the career journey.

Abstract

This exploratory qualitative study was conducted to examine the meaning of career and related concepts for adult American Indians. Eighteen Northern Plains American Indians were interviewed, and the resulting data were analyzed using consensual qualitative research strategies (C. E. Hill, B. J. Thompson, & E. N. Williams, 1997). Five major topic areas emerged from the data: the meaning of career, definitions of success, supportive factors, obstacles, and living in 2 worlds. Within these domains, several categories emerged, with differences noted between those participants with postsecondary education and those with secondary education in 3 of the domains. Following discussion of and comparison of the categories across the 2 groups, implications for future research and theory development are presented.