Preparing for Careers: Emerging Adults’ Perceptions of Career Messages Received from Different Vocational Anticipatory Socialization Sources

ABSTRACT The six sources of vocational anticipatory socialization (VAS) information communicate important career-related messages that are vital to the future success of emerging adults. Building on previous research that identified the types of messages provided to adolescents, the current study assessed the quality and usefulness of these messages. A total of 251 emerging adults (mean age = 20.74; SD = 3.2) discussed their use of VAS sources, including parents, schools, peers, part-time jobs, traditional media, and the Internet. A quantitative content analysis was conducted on participants’ open-ended responses to the types of VAS sources they use and the reasons for utilizing these sources. Results indicate that emerging adults go to the Internet more than any other VAS source. The current study shows that the Internet is increasing as a popular source of VAS information, while emerging adults seek and receive different types of VAS information from different VAS sources.