Connecting social cognitive career theory to animal science students’ career decision making

The present study aimed to investigate how an introductory animal science course can impact possible career choices, student’s desire to pursue an animal science related career, and the relationship between person inputs (race/ethnicity, gender, geographical location) in animal science majors as it relates to who they contact for career advice. Respondents answered a series of survey questions regarding their experiences upon completion of the course and reported that their experience in the course increased their ability to see themselves in multiple types of jobs. Qualitative responses indicated that participants felt the course solidified their career decisions and helped to expand their knowledge of animal science careers. Significance was also found in students desire to work with large animals before versus after completing this course. In addition, participants that reportedly came from production agriculture backgrounds were more likely to know someone in their chosen career field than their urban/suburban counterparts. This study may help other introductory animal science courses to provide relevant educational experiences for the various students in their classes.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.S.

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Ag Ldrship, Ed & Communication

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2023

Author dc:creator

• Girman, Jenna

Contributors dc:contributor

• Leman, Amy M

• Animal Science
• Career Goals
• Career Theory
• Demographics
• Agricultural Education

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2023 Jenna Girman

Language dc:language

en, eng

Handle dc:identifier

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/122075

OAI record oai:identifier

https://www.ideals.illinois.edu/oai-pmh?verb=GetRecord&metadataPrefix=etdms&identifier=oai%3Awww.ideals.illinois.edu%3A2142%2F122075