This article examines the educational trajectories envisioned by immigrant-
origin youths. The mixed-methods research draws upon quantitative
(N = 445) and interview data (n = 112). Whereas most prior research
focuses on educational achievement or educational attainment of immigrant-
origin youth, this article focuses on their outlooks concerning
education and occupation. We determined the educational and career
aspirations and expectations immigrant-origin youths have and in the
ways their aspirations differ from those of Finnish-origin youths. We also
seek to discover how this possible aspiration paradox is reflected in the
trajectories envisioned by immigrant-origin youths. We confirm earlier
findings showing that immigrant-origin youths have both a strong belief
in education and the will to achieve success in tertiary-level education.
We also argue for diversity of vocationally oriented youth: whereas
Finnish-origin youths often share determinate vocational outlooks, immigrant-
origin youths are more likely to aim for tertiary education via
vocational education.