A study of relations between gender and careers anchors

Abstract The research analyzed the relationship between gender and career anchors of undergraduate students, using the survey method. The sample totaled 251 Engineering students and 251 Health Care students. To collect the data, we used questionnaires containing the Inventory Career Guidance of Schein (1990). The analysis techniques used were descriptive statistics and exploratory factor analysis. The results show that, in the Engineering area, female respondents valued more the lifestyle and safety anchors, whose attributes are socially associated with the female gender. In the area of Health Care, male respondents valued more autonomy and independency, pure challenge, and creativity anchors, whose attributes are associated with the male gender. We conclude that career choices are strongly associated with the values and attributes socially assigned to gender.