Career Choice Reasons in Rural Appalachia: How Important Is Interest?

• In Event: 33.048 - Career and Technical Education: Career Exploration and Pathways

Abstract

Interest is often cited as one, if not the key, reason for why students chose a career or college major, including engineering. Yet, within underrepresented groups, interest is not necessarily the primary reason for career choice decisions. The purpose of this paper is to present how interest relates to engineering as a career choice for two case study regions located in rural Appalachia. A multi-case analysis using semi-structured interviews with high school and college participants was conducted for this research. Results show that interest was the primary reason for choosing an engineering career, but was not the majority reason for all careers. Finally, exposure to engineering or knowing an engineer was likely for those planning on engineering.

Authors

• Cheryl Carrico, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

• Holly Marie Matusovich, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

• Marie Christine Paretti, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

• Matthew Boynton, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University