Women in Technology: College Experiences that are Correlated with Long-Term Career Success

Women are underrepresented in technology careers because they pursue technology degrees less frequently and leave technology careers at greater numbers than do men. By analyzing a representative dataset of college graduates with degrees in computer science, computer engineering, and management information systems, this study identified correlations between specific college experiences of female technologists and long-term career success. Exposure to role models and opportunities to apply classroom learning to real world problems were found to increase the likelihood of long-term career success for female technology graduates while participation in campus life was not found to be significantly correlated with such success. These findings were used to create evidence-based recommendations for degree-granting universities to improve career outcomes for their female technology graduates, which included hiring professors that engage students in learning and make them feel cared for as individuals, creating peer and professional mentoring programs, establishing internship programs, and celebrating diversity.|Keywords: women, technology, college, career

Grantor dc:publisher

Creighton University

Year dc:date.issued

2017

Author dc:creator

• Moreno, Melissa Gearhart

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Winford, Kristin

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright is retained by the Author. A non-exclusive distribution right is granted to Creighton University and to ProQuest following the publishing model selected above.

Language dc:language.iso

en_US

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/10504/113821

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:cdr.creighton.edu:10504/113821