Abstract:
This study reports the findings from exploratory career counselling with Italian undergraduate university students using
the Career Interest Profile (CIP). The participants (n = 178, females = 51.69%; mean age 22.28, SD = 1.59 years) received
elective career counselling on campus. The students completed the CIP and the Self-Directed Search (SDS). Data were
analyzed using both qualitative and quantitative approaches. The CIP yielded satisfactory results with regard to
trustworthiness and intercorrelations with the SDS and provides career counsellors with a useful instrument for the
identification of interest profiles of Italian undergraduate university students. Participants reported being enabled to
explore prospective career interest areas using career-story narratives for constructing life trajectories and enhanced
development of their career stories.
