Understanding the Career Trajectory of Radical Accelerands through Narratives

Skipping grades can help gifted students accomplish their goal careers at an earlier age. Two different narratives of career paths emerged from this study: a “linear path” and “meandering path” to their careers. Strong personal and familial understandings of their interests and abilities led them to early career decisions that they remained satisfied with. Meanwhile, parental restriction, low self-exploration and self-understanding, and continued uncertainty about future paths were key antagonists in the stories of those who were meandering. Exploring these narratives will allow parents and educators to understand the career guidance they can provide.