Work Experiences of Native Americans: A Qualitative Study

Few studies have explored the careers of Native Americans. Historically, this population has been, and continues to be, ignored within mainstream career and management studies. To address this research gap, the current study explores the challenges that Native Americans, living and working in various locations and states across the United States, face. Drawing on Syed and Özbilgin’s relational framework, a qualitative approach was used whereby 14 in-depth, semistructured interviews were conducted and analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings highlight the salience of some challenges including poor educational levels of completion, lack of transportation means, shortage of employment opportunities, difficulty in work–life balance, and cultural stereotyping and prejudice. The results of the study have important implications for career development practitioners, legislators, higher institutions of learning, and other stakeholders interested in advancing the lives of these disadvantaged people.