The Influence of Role Models on Women's Career Choices

This study of 368 female undergraduates examined self‐efficacy and role model influence as predictors of career choice across J. L. Holland's (1997) 6 RIASEC (Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, Conventional) types. Findings showed that levels of self‐efficacy and role model influence differed across Holland types. Multiple regression analyses indicated that self‐efficacy and role model influence accounted for significant variance in career choice for all 6 RIASEC types. Role model influence added to the prediction of career choice over and above the contribution of self‐efficacy in all but 1 of the RIASEC types. The importance of attention to role models in career counseling is discussed.