DOES GENDER INFLUENCE CAREER SELECTION OF THE STUDENTS OF MITHILA REGION?

Abstract

Choosing a career is a critical decision with long-term implications for personal fulfillment, financial stability, and life direction. Career decision-making can be challenging, especially as individuals face the complexities of today’s rapidly evolving job market. Employers increasingly value both hard and soft skills. Gender plays a significant role in shaping career attitudes, choices, and outcomes, influencing various aspects of one’s professional life. This study aims to explore the influence of gender-dominated occupations on the career choices of undergraduates. This study was conducted on a sample of 199 respondents comprising of 89 male and 110 female students studying in undergraduate and post graduate classes. To assess the career preferences of respondents, the study utilized a scale developed by Gottfredson and John Holland (1991). To analyse the differences in career choices between male and female respondents, a t-ratio was computed. The findings indicate that significant differences were observed only in the "realistic" dimension of career selection, with an obtained t-ratio of 2.392, significant at the 0.018 level. In contrast, the scores of male and female respondents on other dimensions, including investigative, artistic, social, enterprising, and conventional career preferences, did not show statistically significant differences. However, in career domains emphasizing investigative, artistic, or enterprising skills, responses from both genders were relatively similar. This indicates a shift in career selection patterns, as students of both genders increasingly demonstrate similar preferences in various fields.