To What Extent Does Academic Challenge Lead to Positive Career Outcomes?

• In Event: Sheraton Roundtable Session Fourteen
  In Roundtable Session: Getting There! The Role of Nudges, Goals, and Other Forms of Micro-Support (Table 7)

Abstract

Academic challenge, defined as various learning experiences regarding critically reflecting and challenging one’s beliefs and perspectives in and out of class in college, is known to shape students’ attitudes as lifelong learners and develop career-related competencies. However, few studies have shown if it can predict actual job market outcomes. Using a sample of private non-profit four-year university alumni (N=17,219), this study examined whether and how academically challenging learning experiences in college predict major-job congruence and job satisfaction, two important career outcomes that have been tied to long term success and security. Results suggest that academic challenge positively predict graduates’ major-job congruence and job satisfaction, not only at the entry to the job market but also in the longer term.

Authors

• Juyoung Kim, University of Georgia
  Presenting Author

• Gregory C. Wolniak, Mathematica Policy Research, Inc
  Non-Presenting Author

• Charles Blaich, Wabash College
  Non-Presenting Author

• Kathleen Wise, Wabash College
  Non-Presenting Author