Construction Management and Engineering Technology Students’ Career Resiliency and the Role of Self-Efficacy

The reporting on workforce development and attracting professionals into science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers remains a prominent focus in the United States (U.S.). Whether in the construction or engineering sector, a similar crisis exists with maintaining and increasing the professional workforce. Underrepresented minority groups (e.g., women, ethnic minorities, and first-generation college students) are posited as a means to increase not only participation in these fields, but as an untapped resource in other STEM professions. In response, this study analyzes career decisions of undergraduate students in construction management and engineering technology bachelor’s degree programs in the U.S. to understand their resiliency and the role of self-efficacy across disparate groups. An online survey captured responses from nearly 200 student participants including demographic information. Preliminary findings show that females are equally likely to pursue hands-on careers as their male counterparts. In addition, there is no difference between the self-efficacy and resiliency of underrepresented minority groups against the majority racial group. The results from this study aim to dispel traditional notions such as math anxiety regarding female and minorities in STEM field. Moreover, it highlights common student characteristics from which recruiters can use to encourage future students to enter these careers.