Career Engagement Attributes: An Examination of Gender and Age Effects on Graduate Students

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 27
  In Roundtable Session: Gender, Race, and Ethnicity Issues in Graduate Education

Abstract

This pilot study examined the levels of career engagement among graduate students, specifically focusing on gender differences and age groups. The study draws upon the Social Learning Theory of Career Selection (SLTCS) to examine the different methods that graduate students use to solidify particular career paths. The Occupational Engagement Scale-Students (OES-S—9 items) scale was used to collect data from 237 graduate students across multiple disciplines. Study results indicate no significant differences between gender and career engagement, however, there were significant differences in the 30-39 and 40 and older age groups. This study contributes significantly to graduate education research by establishing a newline of inquiry focusing specifically on graduate students, career engagement, and career selection.

Authors

• Andrea L. Tyler, Tennessee State University

• Rheanna Kaley, University of Idaho