Predicting women’s interest in and choice of a career in information technology a statistical model

This chapter explains a theoretically driven and empirically supported model that identifies key factors that predict high school and college women’s interest in and choice of a career in information technology. At the center of the model is the developmental construct of self-authorship and a set of variables related to the process individuals use to make personal and educational decisions. It is our conclusion that reliance on guidance from a narrow circle of trusted others that includes family members, but rarely teachers and counselors, is one reason that women continue to express an interest in sex-typical careers. Findings have direct implications for recruiting and advising practice.