• Journal of Engineering Education Research
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• v.16 no.6
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• pp.19-28
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• 2013

The objective of this study is to investigate the gender differences in employment and career development paths of engineering graduates. 16 male and 16 female engineering H University alumni who graduated within last 6 years were interviewed. The interviews were recorded and transcribed, then analyzed by the Colaizzi method, a phenomenological qualitative data analysis method. The interview questions focused on three stages: selection and retention of one's major, employment preparation, and career development after employment. The gender differences pertaining to success factors, barriers, and psychological characteristics at each stage were identified. Interviewees were examined for general disposition during early career development and job-related characteristics. For women, strengths and weaknesses at work were also examined. Based on the results of this study, programs for successful employment and career development were suggested for H University, which can also be applied to other engineering institutions.