Thematic analysis of vocational identity among gifted young people using turning point narratives

Abstract

The career choices of gifted students are significant both in terms of their potential contributions to society and their personal happiness and life satisfaction. The aim of this study was to identify themes of the turning points that influence gifted young people’s career decisions and to reveal which factors influence their vocational identity from a Narrative Identity Approach. Data were collected using open-ended questions from 17 (52.94% female, n = 9) gifted young people (age; M = 20.47, SD = 3.69). Data were analysed with reflexive thematic analysis, which identified five major themes (1) individual factors, (2) social factors, (3) giftedness, (4) career goals, and (5) exploration opportunities. Considering the first retrospective study examining gifted students’ vocational identity, career guidance might benefit from tailored interventions that account for their unique characteristics, goals, personal and social factors as well as maximizing exploration opportunities.