Equalizing Access to Online Career Resources: Supporting Midlife Women Career Changers Through Scaffolding Virtual Curriculum

• In Event: 52.084 - Roundtable Session 18
  In Roundtable Session: 52.084-8 - Career and Technical Education SIG Roundtables

Abstract

Since the 2008 economic downturn, career change is fast upon Baby Boomer women largely experiencing job dissatisfaction and job losses. Recent government reports indicate that in spite of the recovery of the financial and auto industries, women are still lagging far behind men in finding new jobs. This study examines ways to help the 21st century midlife women successfully navigate the stages of career change. We discuss the gender-specific emotional and sociocultural implications of career change for midlifers, and introduce an innovative new virtual career coaching tool designed to bridge the gap between the difficult processes of career change and learning the skills to compete with other job seekers.

Authors

• Kay Kyeong-Ju Seo, University of Cincinnati

• Julia Montier-Ball, University of Cincinnati