Families have the most influence on an individual's life and work, more than school, work, and even peer influence. College students who have been give decision-making responsibility when they were growing up tend to be able to choose a major more easily and get a job faster.

Since technology resources often are more available to families than to schools, the family can be enlisted to support the career development of individuals in the family. To learn more about family and technology influences, view presentation made in SUNY Keynote Address powerpoint presentation "Networking on the High Wire - Supporting student career decision-making with familiy and technology assistance. "

Additional Resources
Anderson, N. (2004). Work with Passion: How To Do What You Love for a Living. New World Publishing
Chope, R. (2006). Family Matters: The Influence of the Family in Career Decision Making. Pro-Ed.

Gelardin, S. (2002). Special Issue:  Family Influences on Career Choice and Success, Career Planning and Adult Development Journal. Volume 17, Number 2.

Gelardin, S. (2004). The Mother-Daughter Relationship: Activities for Promoting Lifework Success.

Jacobsen, M.H. (1999). Hand Me down Dreams:  How Families Influence Our Career Paths and How We Can Reclaim Them. N.Y.: Harmony Books.

Savickas, M. Career Counseling with Mark L. Savickas, PhD. APA Video.