Career Development Needs of Low Socioeconomic Status University Students (Report‪)‬

In March 2008, the Australian federal government instigated a review into the direction of the higher education sector, the projected ability to meet future needs of students and the community and to identify options for improvement. This review was undertaken by an independent panel, headed by Emeritus Professor Denise Bradley AC (DEEWR, 2010). Findings and recommendations were compiled in the Review of Australian Higher Education Final Report, otherwise known as the Bradley Review. Initiatives resulting from the Bradley Review are anticipated to see an increase in enrolments of students with a low socio-economic status (SES). The purpose of this article is to highlight the career needs of low SES university students as an area that requires further research and clarification; more specifically, identifying if the career needs of low SES university students are different from students who don't have a low SES. If so, how can a university careers service meet these needs effectively?