Examining the Career Thoughts of Veterans Enrolled in College

Abstract

Veterans returning from the Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) conflicts are enrolling in colleges and universities at the highest number since post World War II (Cook & Kim, 2009). However, there is a lack of information on the career thoughts of veterans, specifically veterans attending colleges or universities. The exploratory study examined the career thoughts, as measured by the Career Thoughts Inventory (CTI), and demographic information of veterans enrolled at a large university in the southeast. Thirty-eight students completed the CTI and demographic questionnaire online. A majority of the students were male and between the ages of 26 to 30. The results of the study found statistically significant differences between the total career thoughts, decision making confusion, and commitment anxiety of student veterans compared to the college population the CTI was normed on. In addition, the study found there were no statistically significant differences in external conflict between the two groups. Due to the exploratory nature of the study, the results cannot be assumed to reflect the population of student veterans at the university or student veterans in general. More research is needed to better understand the career development needs of veterans attending colleges and universities.