Gender, Age, and Career Engagement: An Examination of Graduate Students at a Historically Black College/University

• In Event: 75.032 - Resources in Graduate Education: Human and Monetary Sources

Abstract

This purpose of this study was to examine the level 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 above
age groups. This study contributes significantly to graduate education research by establishing a
new line of inquiry focused specifically on graduate students, career engagement, and selection.

Authors

• Andrea L. Tyler, Tennessee State University

• Rheanna Kaley, Tennessee State University