Gender Differences in Factors that Promote an Interest in IT among High School and Early and Late College Students

This paper compares gender differences in the role of parental support and interaction with others about career options in IT at three points in time (during high school, early college, and late college). Results indicate that women are not having interactions about career options that contribute to an interest in IT and that by the third and fourth year of college, those enrolled in a major leading to a career in IT do not perceive significant positive support from parents or from others outside of the family. Men have fewer interactions about career options, but perceive continued positive support from parents and other family members about their interest in IT.