Development and Validation of Career Identity Finder (CIF) Multidimensional Career Assessment Inventory for Secondary School Students

Abstract

Adolescence is a particularly important time in the career development process in which students investigate
their interests, abilities, values, and future aspirations. The pilot development and initial psychometric
testing of the Career Identity Finder (CIF) – a multidimensional career assessment inventory for secondary
school students (Grades 9-12) – is reported. The CIF is a career assessment instrument that measures four
constructs related to career – work values, vocational interests, personality traits, and cognitive aptitude –
in one instrument, unlike many career assessment instruments that measure only a single construct related
to career. The instrument was designed using Holland's RIASEC Model, the Big Five Personality
Framework, and the theories of cognitive abilities. Consequently, content validity was achieved by the
expert evaluation and the instrument was pilot tested with 73 secondary school students aged 14-18 years.
The results of the reliability analysis showed good internal consistency (Cronbach's Alpha = 0.914 for the
Work Values Scale). Results give preliminary psychometric evidence for the usefulness of the Career
Identity Finder (CIF) as a comprehensive career assessment inventory. But, larger scale and more
representative sampling to validate and standardize further is suggested.