Digital technologies are increasingly being used in school career guidance. Technologies like artificial intelligence, virtual reality, video conferencing, online games and more have the capacity to make career guidance more effective, efficient and equitable. In addition to the OECD ODiCY case study library, on this page you will find links to blogs, research and policy papers and videos all exploring the implications of new technologies for the design and delivery of career guidance. We have also recently published a policy paper 'Digital technologies in career guidance for youth'.
Digital technologies used in career guidance for youth: Resources
Digital technologies are increasingly being used in school career guidance. Technologies like artificial intelligence, virtual reality, video conferencing, online games and more have the capacity to make career guidance more effective, efficient and equitable.
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Why psychometric tests can improve career guidance in schools
Chatbots in the classroom: Revolutionising Career Readiness with Cutting-Edge Technology
Why social influencers are key to reaching youth audiences
How Estonia is delivering online career guidance during the coronavirus crisis
Why virtual careers talks can be as effective as in person job discussions
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- Digital technologies in career guidance for youth
OECD, 2024
This policy perspective explores the role of digital technologies in guidance provision, considering both likely benefits and key concerns requiring attention. It focuses on the following questions: how are digital technologies being used in career guidance provision for children and young people?; what are the opportunities presented by using technologies in such career guidance?; and what are considerations that policy makers should give when developing digital solutions for youth career guidance?
- Career talks with guest speakers: A guide to delivering an effective career development activity
OECD, 2022
This short paper looks at research on the impacts and effective delivery of career talks with guest speakers in secondary education. While primarily focused on face-to-face provision, it includes a discussion of the delivery of such talks through video streaming, sharing advice from practitioners on their design and management.
Inventory of digital career guidance tools
International Labor Organisation, 2022
The paper features short descriptions of 25 international digital guidance tools aimed at supporting the career development of youth and adults. Examples includes tools designed to support the transition of youth into the labour market, including virtual work placements.
Digitalising career guidance services: Policy guidance note
International Labor Organisation, 2022
A guidance note aimed at career guidance policy makers and practitioners designed to help support decision-making related to investments in digitalising guidance services. It includes 15 key questions for consideration within investment decisions.
Digital transitions in lifelong guidance: rethinking career practitioner professionalism – a CareersNet expert collection
Cedefop, 2021
A collection of 15 short papers on the digitalisation of career guidance services prepared by experts across European countries. Papers focus particularly on themes of professional development and the role of specific technologies within guidance.
The role of labour market information in guiding educational and occupational choices
Hofer, A., A. Zhivkovikj and R. Smyth, 2020
This OECD working paper while primarily focused on resources supporting student entry into and out of higher education, includes details of career guidance portals in many countries of relevance to secondary education. Such digital resources are discussed particularly in terms of the labour market information that is provided linked to specific programmes of study and occupations. The paper presents digital resources in the context of academic research on the decision-making processes of young people.
Understanding the use of digital technology in the career development sector
Nicki Moore and Karolina Czerwinska, 2019
Developed for the UK Career Development Institute, the paper focused on the implications of technological change for career guidance practitioners. It draws on a survey of 205 practitioners to explore the skills development required to make effective use of new tools, and their implications for professional practice. The paper considers the role of different digital technologies in the delivery of guidance, including social media resources.
Digital Technology in Transitions Brian Cheng, Julian Gerhart, Steven Shek-yum Ngai, Fotini Vlachaki & Anthony Mann (Moderator) (2024)
Engaging Employers and People in Work Through Technology Nick Chambers, Juan José Juárez & Young Chang (Moderator) (2024)
Digital Techology and School Career Guidance Internationally Alison Burke, Alexandra Ingvarsson, Margarita Kalanova & Anthony Mann (Moderator) (2024)
Technology and Inequality Tricia Berry, Tristram Hooley, Anthony Mann & Jonathan Diaz (Moderator) (2024)
Artificial Intelligence in Career Guidance Sam Mitchell, Chris Percy, Alison Burke (Moderator) (2024)
Will tech take my job? Career guidance practitioners skills & futures Deirdre Hughes, Florian Kadletz, Jaana Kettunen & Young Chang (Moderator) (2024)
How to make a career portal that works? Advice for policymakers Frédérique Alexandra Bailly, Emma Kinsella, Eirik Øvernes & Alison Burke (Moderator) (2024)
Insights from an online teacher-led Career Education program- Australia Lucy Sattler (2023)
Navigating career paths in the age of AI - United Kingdom Deirdre Hughes, Dr Chris Percy & Lauren Croll (2023)
AI for career guidance: possibilities and ethical considerations- Finland
Egle Gedrimiene, Ismail Celik & Hanni Muukkonen (2023)
Professional and vocational guidance- OECD/Portugal
André Lopes & Maria José Barata (2023)
Development of virtual practical work-experience period in practice Mr Lauri Vaara and Ms Riikka Lehtinen, Economy and Youth TAT, Finland (2021)
Arriving where we started and knowing for the first time
Ms Liv Pennie, BECOME Education & Professor Jim Bright, Australian Catholic University, Australia (2021)
Building resilience and skills through virtual work placements
Mr Funbi Akande, Rachael Saunders, Speakers for Schools, United Kingdom (2021)
Inspiring encounters with professionals
Mr Juan Jose Juarez & Hannes Brandt, Bertelsmann Foundation, Spain (2021)
The ODiCY blogs series offers a unique perspective of the use of digital technologies in career guidance:
- Why social influencers are key to reaching youth audiences, Maya Le Bozec-McKendry, September 2023
- Why virtual career talks can be as effective as in-person job discussions, Chris Percy, United Kingdom, May 2023.
- Chatbots in the classroom: Revolutionising Career Readiness with Cutting-Edge Technology, Assoc. Prof. Deirdre Hughes, United Kingdom, May 2023.
- How Estonia is delivering online career guidance during the coronavirus crisis, Kerstin Holland, Estonia & Anthony Mann, OECD, April 2020.
More information on school career guidance
OECD Career Readiness website
Provide new advice to governments, schools, practitionners, and employers on how to best prepare young people for the labour market.
OECD Observatory on Digital technologies in Career guidance for Youth (ODiCY)
An open-access repository on the use of digital technologies in career education and guidance by primary and secondary schools.
Career talks with guest speakers
A guide to delivering an effective career development activity
Contact us with your questions
If you have questions about OECD Career Readiness project, please feel free to conact us directly.