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. American Indians have long been recognized as having minority status in Western society. In fact, LaFromboise (1998) noted that American Indians have essentially been "aliens in their own land" (p. 138) for the past 100 years. Like other minority status groups, they experience limited access to the educational and occupational opportunities available to members of the dominant culture. This limited access is clearly reflected in employment statistics. American Indian people, as a group, have the highest rate of unemployment and the lowest levels of education in the nation. The U.S. Bureau of the Census (1990) reported that 31% of Native peoples, including American Indian, Eskimo, and Aleut populations, lived below the poverty level (compared with 13% nationally). The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA; 1997) offered an even more serious report on the employment situation of American Indians living on or near reservations. Of more than 1.5 million American Indians represented in BIA service areas, more than 760,000 are available for the work force. Of that number, a full 50% are unemployed. Among the 380,000 who are employed, 30% are earning wages below poverty guidelines.

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