CYPEP researchers, Dr Jo Gleeson and Professor Lucas Walsh, have written this month’s feature article, ‘Managing career uncertainty and anxiety: the power of career conversations’, for myfuture Insights. myfuture is Australia’s government-funded national career information service providing resources for students, teachers, career practitioners, parents and carers to support the transition from study to the world of work.

Career uncertainty has been defined as the inability, as a teenager, to articulate a career ambition or occupational expectation for adult life. As transitions from school to work become more unpredictable, and employment markets more competitive and fluid, career uncertainty in young people is increasing.

This Insight builds on the CYPEP report: Young women choosing careers: Who decides? and is written to be accessible to anyone. It briefly explains career uncertainty is and how it can affect young people’s health and wellbeing, and provides practical advice on how to frame conversations around career uncertainty and anxiety, including a questionnaire to help teenagers become more aware of their feelings associated with career decision making.

Lead author Jo Gleeson will also be presenting more about her research findings at a webinar for teachers and career professionals on 30 May and another for parents and carers on 7 June. You can register for these on the myfutures webpage.

Download our full report: Young women choosing careers: Who decides?