| Summary: | The purpose of this study was to explore the internal and external factors influencing the career development of first generation Filipina Americans. Ten first generation Filipina Americans were interviewed using a guided in-depth interview format, genogram mapping, and demographic documentation. Five common themes emerged about the meaning of self in relation to the career development process: Self perception and the understanding of the immigration experience; Self awareness during acculturation; Self and the career path within the family system; Self within two cultures; and Self and socioeconomic factors. Results suggest that career development for Filipina Americans is multifaceted and involves many external and internal processes. Filipina Americans, individuals who often have both Asian and American influences in their vocational path, have uniquely experienced a marked distinction with their career development in the United States. Results indicate that the concept of self understanding was an integral component related to immigration, family, career planning, and class. Results also suggest that the women recognized minimal gender stereotyping in their families. Family of origin was a salient source of meaning and influence on the career development of the women. Self within two cultures, as an American and Filipina influenced the women both negatively and positively in their career development. And finally, class status was a factor which significantly influenced the women with regard to maintaining or improving their class status through their career choice. A review of the literature, limitations of the study, a comprehensive analysis and presentation of the results, a discussion of the results to the current literature and related practical and research implications are all presented. In summation, this study emphasizes the need for further research on the internal and external factors influencing the career development of Filipina Americans. Furthermore, the information shared may be useful in the professional realms of research, career counseling, psychology, child therapy, family therapy, and cultural training.
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