Accessing Counselling Service and Achieving Career Goals for First-Generation Women University Students in Atlantic Canada

Marilee Reimer

Authors

Marilee Reimer St. Thomas University

Keywords:

counselling, career goals, first-generation, women, university, students, atlantic canada, canada

Abstract

This study is an institutional ethnography investigating whether university support services for undergraduate women students who are first generation in their family to attend are adequately supported in their transition to a career. Two groups were interviewed at two New Brunswick campuses who had experiences with university-based health and counseling services: one group of six students accessed health services primarily and were treated for their symptoms with anti-depressants; the second group of six students accessed counselling services after a number of women counselors were hired who focused on women-centered and strength-based counselling. The groups differed in their stated satisfaction with the two forms of service, their efficacy as students in completing their programs, their self-confidence and ability to achieve ongoing objectives in their career trajectories.

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