Career choices of young people with a foreign background: the role played by education and social support

Abstract

Nowadays in Italy, the migratory phenomenon has been considered a stable and structural part of the country. The most considerable sign of this phenomenon is the presence of the second generations. Many studies have focused on topics such as the impact of the second generations on the educational system or the role played by school in the integration process. More recently, post-secondary education and career opportunities among students with ethnic origins are topics on which Italian research have started to discuss. This study analysed second generations’ job trajectories, what they decide to do after completing their schooling: make choices for finding jobs or enroll in university before entering the labour market. It was carried out a survey among young people with a foreign background between the ages of 19-30 living in the district of Treviso. The research aims to investigate what factors have influenced respondents’ decisions related to the choice of a job especially the effects of upper secondary school and social support they have received by family, friends, and teachers. Data confirmed the significant role played by the choice of the upper secondary school and families’ support. Respondents tend to make their choices based on the upper secondary school they have chosen and in this context the presence of families is decisive: the great importance parents give to education tends to encourage some young people to enroll in university before entry into the labour market.