Effectiveness of career and life planning in a Hong Kong secondary school for girls: Students’ perspectives

This article reports findings from a small-scale exploratory study in Hong Kong investigating female secondary school students’ experiences of, beliefs about, and attitudes towards career and life planning activities (CLP) in their school. Qualitative data obtained from focus group interviews with senior students were coded and analyzed to identify themes. Findings were interpreted in terms of students’ current opinions of the strengths, weaknesses, and overall value of CLP as delivered in the school. Students’ suggestions were obtained for how to strengthen CLP as a means of preparing them for the transition to adulthood and the world of work. Responses indicated that students felt their career-related decision-making and career adaptability could be improved by more frequent face-to-face counseling and the sharing of ideas, information, and concerns. The girls also suggested a need for more frequent opportunities for real career exploration and workplace experiences. Additionally, they felt that CLP would be strengthened by clearer intended outcomes from the learning activities, and better integration of some aspects of CLP into curriculum subjects. There was also a need for better continuity of the program from junior to senior secondary stages. These findings have practical implications for schools implementing CLP. Future studies should repeat the investigation in different types of school settings and could include the perceptions of teachers and parents.

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Effectiveness of career and life planning in a Hong Kong secondary school for girls: Students’ perspectives

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