Predicting the Influence of Demographic Differences and Schooling Experience in Adolescence on Occupational Choice in Adulthood

The purpose of this study was to predict occupational choices based on demographic variables and high school curriculum tracks. Based on an analysis of the 1997 National Longitudinal Survey of Youth (NLSY) data set that examined high school graduates' occupational choices in 2006, findings indicated that [career and technical education] CTE graduates were 2.7 times more likely to be in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, while College Preparatory graduates were 1.8 times more likely to be in business, management, and administration occupations. In addition, gender was significantly related to all occupational choices. Implications of this study call for CTE teachers and leaders to find new strategies to attract more diverse students, particularly females and minorities, into programs that are predominately White and/or male.