Career Development Experiences of First-Generation Highly Skilled Muslim Male Immigrants in the United States
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and (c) career development barriers in the U.S., such as cultural and communication differences, stereotyping and name-based bias, religious boundary tensions within workplace norms, lack of recognized U.S. work experience, and workload pressures. Participants’ narratives reflected a complex interplay of structural, cultural, and personal factors shaping their professional journeys. Despite significant barriers, participants demonstrated resilience, adaptability, and self-determination as they reconstructed their careers in a new social and cultural context. This study contributes to the literature by addressing a critical gap in career development and acculturation research and offers implications for Human Resource Development professionals, organizational leaders, and career counselors seeking to support the career development of the first-generation highly skilled Muslim male immigrants in the United States.
(b) career development enablers in the U.S., including company support, networking, feedback and coaching, U.S.-based education, and religious accommodation
(a) pre-U.S. career experiences characterized by fragmented career pathways and cultural and political constraints
Abstract of Dissertation Career Development Experiences of First-Generation Highly Skilled Muslim Male Immigrants in the United States This qualitative basic interpretive study explored the career development experiences of first-generation highly skilled Muslim male immigrants in the United States. While extensive scholarship has examined immigrant professionals broadly, limited research has focused specifically on this population despite its growing presence in the U.S. workforce. Guided by Social Cognitive Career Theory, Career Construction Theory, Career Motivation Theory, and Acculturation Theory, this study examined how participants experienced career development and how they perceived the impact of their intersecting identities—immigrant, Muslim, and male—on their professional trajectories. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews with ten first-generation highly skilled Muslim male immigrants from diverse regions, including the Middle East, North Africa, West Africa, Europe, and South-Central Asia. Participants had a minimum of three years of U.S. work experience and at least a two-year college degree prior to immigration. Data were analyzed using constant comparative analysis and thematic analysis informed by Attride-Stirling’s (2001) thematic network approach. Findings revealed three overarching themes
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