Predicting career decision making self efficacy: the roles of perceived social support and work experience

College and career readiness (CCR) is an emerging theme in government education guidelines and American School Counselor Association (ASCA) standards. While academic support plays a key role in CCR, students must also be equipped for career decision-making. This study explored the predictive nature of perceived social support (PSS) and work experience for career decision-making self-efficacy (CDMSE). It also investigated the relationships between various demographic characteristics and CDMSE. The sample included 134 undergraduate students attending 31 different institutions across 13 US states. Participants completed an anonymous self-report survey, which the researcher analyzed with hierarchical regression analysis. The analysis revealed that overall PSS (educator, family, and peer support) significantly predicted CDMSE, as did work experience in the participant’s field of interest. Together, these factors explained 10.8% of the variance in CDMSE. However, none of the demographic characteristics included in the model significantly predicted CDMSE. The study explored the implications of these findings for school counseling and general education practice, educational training, and future research.