Occupational choice in first year university students: gender and student group differences : will desires and expectations meet reality?

A survey questionnaire was created and administered to a sample of 242 Acadia University students during Fall Semester 1992. The sample was structured to include both male and female students who were either traditional or adult learners. All students were full-time students who were registered in their first year of studies. The questionnaire contained items which included a listing of the students' most desired and expected occupations, Likert ratings of how closely 12 specific job qualities described these occupations, and the identification of barriers and/or aids that would either impede or help in reaching these goals. Statistical analyses were completed which examined for the presence of discrepancies between the students occupational desires and expectations. Also, investigations for possible gender and student group differences were completed. These analyses revealed that the majority of students both expected and desired entrance into high status professional occupations. Relatively few discrepancies between these occupational options were noted. Nevertheless, differences were noted in terms of the occupational qualities that described these occupations. Also, the respondents presented a variety of contradictory information regarding their future careers which suggests the relationship between occupational desires and expectations is not a simple process. The students appeared to be aware of the numerous difficulties involved in obtaining their future careers, but were not wavering from their plans. These findings are discussed and a possible rationale for the discrepancies was presented.