Changing career choice factors as the economic environment changes

This paper reports on a longitudinal study carried out amongst students at one South African university over three years. The research identifies changes in perceptions regarding the factors that these students consider important in choosing a career and pays attention to four groups, namely female non-computing major students, male non-computing major students, female computing major students and male computing major students. Interest in the subject remains the most important factor. Major changes were identified regarding how important self-efficacy is considered to be and the importance of career progress. Another important finding is that male computing major students appear to be totally re-evaluating their beliefs regarding what is important in choosing a career. The third finding relates specifically to changes regarding self confidence in using computer technology amongst male students regardless of whether they are intending on taking computing and non-computing third year courses.