Nontraditional Gender-Based Career Decision-Making During the Transition from High School to Higher Education

Vol.18,No.1(2013)
Studia paedagogica

Abstract

This longitudinal mixed methods study examines the career decision-making of Swiss high school students and their persistence in pursuing a non-traditional career during the transition to higher education. Questionnaires (n = 1460) were used for the longitudinal study. Consequently, interviews were conducted with 24 students. The quantitative results reveal a high level of persistence among women intending to choose a major in STEM (science, information technolog y, engineering, mathematics) and among men intending to become teachers. The findings of the qualitative analysis show that women referred to their intrinsic motivation and passion for science, while men emphasised the importance of role models and extrinsic motivations such as considerations relating to security. Early learning experiences, the perceived support from others, and role models seemed to be decisive factors in their choice, whereas gender-related issues and considerations were hardly ever mentioned.


Keywords:
career decision-making; choice of a major; high school students; higher education students; gender
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