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Articles

Vol. 21 (2006 Summer)

Factors Influencing Successful IT Women's Career Choices: A Qualitative Study

  • Peggy S. Meszaros
  • Carol J. Burger
  • Elizabeth G. Creamer
DOI
https://doi.org/10.21423/awlj-v21.a275
Submitted
June 21, 2017
Published
2017-06-09

Abstract

Women and minorities continue to be underrepresented in information technology (IT) career fields. In this study, we examined critical self-descriptions of women who selected and excelled in information technology careers. Analysis of six narratives revealed that family support, teachers, and hands-on learning experiences were critical sources of women's development of self-authorship leading to selection of an IT career path. Findings from this research suggest intervention strategies for parents, teachers, and counselors that will encourage more women to pursue careers in information technology.