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Journal of Adolescent Research
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Career Development From Adolescence Through Emerging Adulthood

Insights From Information Technology Occupations

Emily E. Messersmith

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, emessers{at}email.unc.edu

Jessica L. Garrett

University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

Pamela E. Davis-Kean

University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

Oksana Malanchuk

University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

Jacquelynne S. Eccles

University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

Career development theories suggest that social-contextual experiences are influential in individuals' career interests, aspirations, and skill development and may be a source of gender and ethnic differences in certain career fields. In this mixed methods study, we examine the supportive and obstructive career-related experiences of 13 men and 13 women (modal age 25). Interviews focused primarily on the pathway toward or away from an information technology (IT) career. Thematic coding indicated that parents were mostly supportive, while experiences in school and work occasionally made individuals reconsider their career plans. Social influences often changed developmentally as participants entered full-time jobs. Gendered participation in IT was often attributed to women's perception that it is a male-oriented field.

Key Words: career development • adolescence • emerging adulthood • gender • ethnic differences • socialization • technology

Journal of Adolescent Research, Vol. 23, No. 2, 206-227 (2008)
DOI: 10.1177/0743558407310723
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