Career Interest and Educational Decision-Making Processes Among Female Veterans in Engineering Programs

• In Event: 47.095 - MTCC Roundtable Session 19
  In Roundtable Session: 47.095-8 - Career Development and Career and Technical Education

Abstract

This qualitative study used career development theory to explore the formation of educational and vocational goals among female military veterans enrolled in engineering coursework. In particular, we examined the ways in which participants’ experiences in the military shaped their engineering interest and their educational decision-making processes. Our findings suggest that female veterans’ engagement in technical or engineering-related military specializations led to interest in, and confidence in their ability to pursue and succeed in, engineering careers.

Authors

• Julie Shank, George Mason University

• Amy Swan, George Mason University