Influence of Gender and Program of Enrollment on Adolescents' and Teens' Occupational and Educational Aspirations

The study examined relationships of gender and program of enrollment to adolescents' occupational and educational aspirations using data from youth in grades 7-12. Frequency distributions created demographic profiles of participants. A regression analysis used job choice as the dependent variable, and gender and program of enrollment as independent variable. Results indicated students desired professional jobs, many requiring graduate degrees or licensing. Gender and program of enrollment were significantly related to ideal job, with program of enrollment being a stronger predictor. Nearly 1/2 of vocational students desired professional jobs, yet expect to work in lower positions in the jobs hierarchy than their college preparatory counterparts. This study confirmed existing knowledge about unrealistic occupational and educational aspirations held by adolescents. Job opportunities likely to be available to them do not match goals. Recommendations focused on providing more opportunities for students to explore realities of the labor market and make choices in-line with abilities and interests.