As a consequence of globalisation, the flow of migrants around the world has increased over recent decades, especially in developed countries such as New Zealand. Youth from immigrant backgrounds are at-risk of unemployment, as well as insecure and low-waged jobs, due to discrimination and social exclusion. Career Education and Guidance in New Zealand defines at-risk students as those who do not have proper career competence, such as self-awareness and ability to explore opportunities. Māori, Pacific, refugee and immigrant students belong to this group; however, immigrant students have not been given equal attention by researchers.

Key findings from a literature review on the school-to-work transition suggest that in addition to providing career information, career advisors need to focus on students’ career development, including self-awareness and skills for decision making. Additionally, family involvement in career-related programs and parent-career advisor relationships impact upon students’ school-to-work transition processes.

This study aims to explore what influences the school-to-work transition of young people from immigrant backgrounds in New Zealand and focuses on three main research questions: What is the career advisors’ perception of their role in the school-to-work transition among youth? What is the families’ perception of their role in the school-to-work transition among youth? What challenges do families perceive immigrant youth face during the school-to-work transition?

Research Interests

I am from Iran and currently Ph.D. candidate at the School of Educational Studies and Leadership. I have my bachelor in Electrical engineering and Masters in Physics and Management. I have worked as an associate researcher at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, Telecommunication Engineer in Iran, and currently I am teacher and coordinator of a Farsi school in Christchurch. I am mother of two boys and I moved to New Zealand in 2016 with my family. My Ph.D. study looks at immigrant students in Aotearoa New Zealand and their school-to-work transition.