Exploring the Influence of Culture on Career Through the Career-in-Culture Interview

Abstract

This study sought to understand how culture in general affects career development. Using an adapted version of the Career‐in‐Culture Interview (Ponterotto, Rivera, & Sueyoshi, ), the authors interviewed 14 adults from a variety of cultural backgrounds. Through a qualitative analysis of the interviews, themes were identified based on 4 of the interview questions and were reported based on occupations the participants were aware of while growing up, their cultural and ethnic backgrounds, religious/spiritual backgrounds, and family influence. These themes promote a developmental consideration of career‐related issues in counseling. The findings can help counselors better work with clients by focusing not just on the individual but also on cultural influences on career development.

Effects of Self‐Compassion and Social Support on Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual College Students' Positive Identity and Career Decision‐Making

“…We encourage career counselors to utilize multiculturally sensitive assessments, such as the Career-in-Culture Interview (Ponterotto et al, 2000), that seek to gather information on clients' personal and environmental factors. In a study of 14 people, including sexual minorities, Gibbons et al (2015) found that the Career-in-Culture Interview served as an effective tool in exploring the influence of the intersection of various cultural experiences on participants' career choice. By considering cultural and environmental variables together with sexual orientation and providing appropriate assessments, counselors can help LGB clients make optimal career decisions reflective of their unique needs (Datti, 2009).…”

Introduction to Career Dynamics in a Global World

“…In that, moksha (salvation) depends on an individual's karma (action or duty) based on his or her dharma (placement in the social order). In Gandhi's (1932) interpretation, work over time can be a means of self-realization. This contrasts sharply with Western views on enlightenment or rationalism (Wikipedia, 2019b).…”