Senior high school career planning: what students want

This study used the Comprehensive Career Needs Survey to assess the career planning needs of 2360 senior high school students in Southern Alberta, Canada. This article examines how senior high school students perceive the relevance of career planning, who they feel comfortable approaching for help with career planning, and what help they would like during their career planning. Results indicated that career planning is important to high school students and they are likely to approach their parents first for help with career planning. Students in grades 10 through 12 indicated that specific information regarding courses, post-secondary information and careers would be helpful. Grade 12 students also expressed a desire for improved career counselling and increased work experience. Implications for teachers, school counsellors, parents and community services are discussed.