Enhancing the Career Development of Rural Youth

The career development experiences of rural youth are worthy of specialized attention from career counsellors. While rural youth share many commonalities with their urban counterparts, the rural experience presents distinctions that can influence their life-career decisions. To support career decision-making, career counsellors should be aware of how local economies, access to post-secondary education, and limited career exploration services shape the rural youth experience. Furthermore, counsellors must also consider the relationship between rurality and identity, and recognize how rural youth confront and negotiate this tension as they explore career options. Both theoretical and applied implications for supporting rural youth are discussed.