Careers decisions in computer technology fields: Influences, barriers, and gender issues

Abstract

Scope and Method of Study: The study used survey methodology and was descriptive and was quantitative in approach. Descriptive statistics and graphic presentation were used to analyze data obtained from an online survey by 424 students attending Oklahoma's CareerTech Technology Centers to determine influences and barriers on career decisions. The 60-item online survey yielded information about demographics, exposure to technology, and personal influences on career choice decisions. Students attending computer technology programs were compared to students attaching non technology programs to determine similarities and differences. Female and male students were compared to identify areas of gender variances in career influences and decisions. Analysis of these differences produced information to enhance creation of a new career decision model for career counseling to develop further methods of recruiting students, including female students, into computer technology programs.

Findings and Conclusions: Although literature reports that negative images of technology professionals, derogatory comments about technology, and perceived working conditions have a negative influence on selecting technology careers, these were not important factors in this study. Also, gender discrimination did not appear to have an influence in avoiding or selecting technology careers as indicated in current research. Counselors and technology teachers at the high school level were extremely positive and influential in selecting a career. All groups were positively influence by family and friends. Previous usage of technology in school and at home did not appear to influence decisions when selecting a career, but opportunities to use and learn new technologies did appear to influence career decisions. Lack of these opportunities may be a barrier to choosing a computer technology career. The females were older than the males and had more opportunities to use and learn technology, which may have been instrumental in their career choices. Computer technology programs were represented by more females than males in this study. The computer technology students were more comfortable, supportive, positive, and impressed with computers than the non-technology students, which may have been factors for selecting or not selecting technology careers. A career model was developed to identify influences and barriers for males and females at the CareerTech level. The new model, Moody's Model, was designed by integrating the findings from this study and research to assist students interested in attending a CareerTech program to comprehend the influences and barriers affecting career decisions.