Most studies of adult education align it with life change, but this research-based book tells a different story. It reveals how mature women who are training to work in childcare within the voluntary sector seek continuity in their lives. They engage with activities that connect aspects of their family, workplace and educational experience, and…

It is often assumed that graduating engineering students readily envision what it means to be an engineer and what type of work they will be doing as engineers in the future. How can one know if this is true? This research begins to answer these questions by aiming to understand undergraduate engineering students' perceptions of themselves as…

This paper seeks to investigate the extent of influence of corporate (or organisational) responsibility on university students' career decision-making. It reports on a pilot study conducted at the University of Sydney which aims to: explore students' ethical, professional and social understanding regarding corporate responsibility; determine the…

This article examines available measures of perceived teacher support and presents findings from two studies exploring the psychometric properties of the Teacher Support Scale (TSS). In Study 1, an exploratory factor analysis suggested a hierarchical structure with four first-order factors (Invested, Positive Regard, Expectations, and Accessible…

Most published research on the superintendency has failed to examine the voices of female superintendents. Today, white males make up approximately 85% of superintendents, rendering female responses to the superintendency almost non-existent. This study, commissioned by the American Association of School Administrators, provides a historical…

In an era of teacher shortages, what would motivate individuals to become teachers when the demands on teachers are greater than ever and there are plenty of alternative occupations from which to choose? This paper presents the findings of a study of student teachers' motivations to be primary teachers and their commitment to teaching after their…

Purpose: This paper aims to examine the "darker side" of what it means to engage in an international academic career. Extending beyond well-documented themes relating to the difficulties of cross-cultural adjustment and unfulfilled expectations/opportunities for promotion, this paper seeks to introduce "transience and risk" as…

Holland's (1973) theory of vocational choice proposes a typology of, and a match between, people and occupations. The Self Directed Search (SDS) can be used to assess people's occupational orientation types. To assess the construct validity of Holland's theory of occupational preferences, 171 female industrial workers participated in a study,…

Examines the extent to which college women have specific career plans and the influence of fertility plans and future partners. Results indicate majority expect to have several jobs, but only half have a career plan. Modification in child rearing to fit career was likely. No spouse compliance differences were found. (BL)

Presents study results analyzing the effects of a small scale internship program for undergraduate sociology majors on career choice. Concludes that even a small scale program makes a significant contribution to clarification of career choice for sociology majors. Suggests that internship provides information on occupations and reduces…

A survey of pharmacy students in their last year of training examined factors relating to student commitment to and satisfaction with pharmacy. Included were the number of professional organizations joined, parental education, age, interest in working with sick patients, and satisfaction with choosing pharmacy school. (MSE)

A study investigated the attitudes of British first-year polytechnic or university students (n=38) and employed graduates (n=80) in science and technology fields up to age 30, concerning their choice of science/technology or nonscience/technology fields. Results indicate why some students are deterred from science/technology. (Author/MSE)

A survey of 101 research and doctorate-granting universities explored, in part, the tradeoffs professors have to make to become department heads. Tradeoffs include time required by the department head to deal with administrative pressures and demands. Rewards include monetary benefits, status, and leadership satisfaction. (MSE)

A longitudinal study of students (n=70) entering Dartmouth Medical School (New Hampshire) in 1984 found attitudes toward family practice initially positive and improving. However, of 25 indicating early interest in family medicine, only 6 chose a related residency. Student concerns about the specialty's demands are seen as a possible factor.…

This report is a preliminary investigation of differences in the pattern and level of interests between ethnic groups and control groups of Australian subjects. A theoretical framework for the development of cultural differences in interests is outlined. Self-estimates of interests are also examined to determine the extent to which individuals…