In the international literature exploratory behavior has been described as a fundamental aspect of lifelong career development. The aim of this study was to develop a scale to measure the two main dimensions of vocational exploration (self exploration and environmental exploration) for university students. The scale was applied to 384 university students (mean age 21.7 years), of which 65% were females. Two dimensions were identified by analysis of principal components and demonstrated the feasibility of the construct. Internal consistency scores (0.85 and 0.89) were found to be satisfactory. No significant gender differences in the context of self or of environmental exploration were found. Final year students showed higher environmental exploration than those from the first years. Although complementary studies are still required, results suggest that the scale is valid and reliable.
Vocational exploration; university students; career
