Social Capital and Career Preparation: Postsecondary Students with Mobility or Sensory Disabilities

This study examined the social networks of 26 postsecondary students with mobility and sensory disabilities regarding their perceptions of career preparation and career choice confidence. Social networks have been shown to contribute to postsecondary students' academic success and establishing a successful career for those with and without disabilities. This study examined the social capital resulting from social networks consisting of parents, family, friends, acquaintances (e.g., teachers, counselors, advisors), and interest groups or hobbies. Participants rated their perceptions of career preparation and career choice confidence twice during the study: once in the early weeks of a summer employment internship and after a career-focused presentation and internship completion. Measures of career preparation included self-rated abilities in (a) finding a job, (b) interviewing successfully, (c) keeping a job, and (d) resolving career accommodation challenges. Results showed that social capital contributed significantly to perceptions of career preparation. Career choice confidence remained stable suggesting satisfaction with their choice. A path analysis examined both career variables in conjunction with demographic factors, finding that social capital increased with age. Analyses suggested a number of other relationships between social capital, career perceptions, and demographic variables indicating complexities that warrant additional research.