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1993
Influences on the selection of dietetics as a career
choice
Katherine A. Kobel
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INFLUENCES ON THE SELECTION OF
DIETETICS AS A CAREER CHOICE
by
Katharine A. Kobel
Submitted in
of
partial
fulfillment
the requirement for the degree of
Master
of
Science
Rochester Institute
of
Technology
Rochester, New York
June 1993
Copyright 1993
INFLUENCES ON THE SELECTION OF
DIETETICS AS A CAREER CHOICE
Katharine A. Kobel
ABSTRACT
The
influence
purpose of
this study
by
questionnaires were completed
Of the 156
country.
responses were received
old,
while
(26.8%)
of
9.1%
47%,
students,
came
89.4%,
students were
(26.2%)
from
were
of
of
57.6%,
and
job
pursue
enjoyment
(95.6%)
as
dietetics. Other factors
career choice
included
people
(89.6%).
degree
of
and
Results
were well
influence financial
Ninety
rural
of
number
percent of the
comprised of
uniformly
career
making their
decision
decision
help
rewards played
was made
decision in
during
high
interest in
nutrition
(97.9%)
important in their decision to
others
distributed
career
after work experience
rated
which were
to
years
from
The overwhelming
having
which were rated as
opportunities
30
Hispanics (2.1%).
Students
factors
were
number of students
was
reported
who made their career
population.
the students
percent were over
were male.
the remaining 10%
Students
the
The
of
equally divided. The majority
female, 10.6%
school.
of
that 77.7%
Thirteen
areas were
Another 20.9% indicated their
10.5%
programs
schools.
years old.
college.
comprised
the
years old.
students,
which
schools which were mailed questionnaires,
Asians (3.3%), Afro-Americans (3.0%),
The majority
factors
in Plan IV/V dietetic
a suburban community.
Caucasians,
on
Self-administered
students.
students
revealed
less than 20
were
and urban
students,
20 to 30
ages of
1695
from 53.9%
Demographic information
between the
to gather information
making in dietetics
career-decision
throughout the
was
(90.1%)
a positive
and
impact
working
when students reported
in their
career selection.
on
with
the
No primary
sources emerged when students evaluated the
various people and media resources on their career
to be influenced
appears
by
a
variety
For example, Chi Square
specific.
to enter dietetics
P<.01)
other
factors
analysis revealed
job
enjoyment as an
were more
decision
point
that students who decided
df 12,
to rate opportunities for advancement as very important. These
same
opportunities as
exposure
to
work exposure were more
likely (X2=28.65,
very important. Students
students who made
experience were more
indicate that
than those
likely
an employer
Students
decision.
less
work experience were
to indicate that a guidance
However,
report
choice
likely (X2=26.24,
following
students were also more
P<.01)
of students rated
decision,
career
Career
career
a
decisions
These findings
career
identify
addition
to
decision-making
information,
to be important to the target
to
work
to
their career
college were
less
(X2=78.67, df 12, P<.001)
their
career
appears
likely
to
decision.
during
to occur
work
be developed to specifically target
general
choice.
the need for recruitment strategies to be audience
time frames (in high school, college and
activities should
on
after
(X2=30.44, df 12,
after exposure
decision in
times
on
expected
influence
of
work
their career decision
(X2=86.27, df 12, P<.001)
high degree
at other
to rate part-time
had influenced their
decision
who made their career
who made
Since
who made
than expected
had
P<.01)
likely than
that a teacher had low influence
specific.
df 12,
counselor
their
of
of sources.
While the overwhelming majority
important factor in their
decision.
influences
specific
factors
population should
during
experience)
students
which
one of
three
recruitment
in these
areas.
In
have been demonstrated
be included.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
In many
many
ways
challenges a
process.
A
season
submitting my
the road has been
thesis project
often
for both intellectual
work unto
or another contributed
Chairperson
of
this
Day.
to this
my committee,
especially thankful for his
Fathers'
His
eye
I dealt continually
as
brings.
It
was a
learning
and spiritual growth.
the Lord became a necessity if it
There have been many kind
way
long,
and
was always available and
for detail
A time in
was
to
the
growing
which
succeed.
have in
one
Dr. Edward Stockham, the
undertaking.
review of
and
people who
encouraging
with
the final draft that
willing to
Sunday
and experience assisted
afternoon,
in the
I
assist.
am
on
fine-tuning
of
paper.
advisor, and the second member
My
Kmiecinski, M.S.,R.D.,
graduate studies.
only two
of
many
The third
both encouraging
Her enthusiasm,
member of
policy
and
and
personality
made
Others,
contributions.
providing the
invaluable.
her
nurturing
would
(Liz)
helpful throughout my
of
the field of dietetics are
an excellent role model.
at
RIT. I
provided
appreciated
her
character.
member of
of
always a pleasure
while not committee
I
her
during my time
the planning stages
during
and
my committee, Barbra Cerio, M.S.,R.D.,
Dr. Carol Whitlock, the fourth
guidance
my committee, Elizabeth
knowledge
characteristics which made
and supportive words
many caring
open-door
was
of
this research. Her
to talk
provided
warm and
friendly
with.
members, also provided significant
like to gratefully
statistical consultation
my committee,
acknowledge
for this
Additionally, Dr. Porter patiently
project.
Dr. Laura Porter, for
Her
assistance was
read through several
drafts
of
this
paper.
Her
wisdom and practical recommendations
helped focus
and
clarify my
thoughts.
Dr. Jayme Ribeiro
for the data
provided assistance
in writing the
His
computer
knowledge
lengthy
endeavor
my
analysis.
and critical
computer program
thinking
skills were
appreciated.
During
this
encouragement and support.
practical ways.
My
The figures in this
Sandra's kindness, availability,
characteristics which make
diligently
worked
her
am
and
forever
provided continual
sister, Sandra
paper are
Kobel,
just
and willingness
a special person.
Barbara Kobel,
grateful
for the
writer made
her
provided me with
good start
they
one of
My
examples.
help,
are some of
sister, Lynn
Her
a great asset.
gave me
111
many
computer.
many
in many
assisted
to always
to enter the manuscript into the
nature, and skills as a technical
Thomas
family
years of
in life.
the
Kobel,
hardworking
My
parents,
loving
guidance.
I
Table
of
Contents
Page
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
ii
LIST OF TABLES
v
LIST OF FIGURES
Chapter 1
:
vi
INTRODUCTION
Background and Scope
Statement of the Problem
Purpose
Research Questions
Assumptions
1
3
3
3
4
Chapter 2: REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE
5
Chapter 3: METHODOLOGY
21
Chapter 4: RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
25
Chapter 5: CONCLUSION
Summary
58
Significance
58
Limitations
59
Recommendations
59
REFERENCES AND BIBLIOGRAPHY
64
APPENDICES
Appendix 2
Cover Letter A
Cover Letter B
Appendix 3
Instruction Sheet
71
Appendix 4
Side One
Questionnaire Side Two
The American Dietetic Assn. Geographic Areas
Geographic Areas Listed by State
73
Appendix 1
Appendix 5
Appendix 6
Appendix 7
Questionnaire
67
69
-
75
-
IV
...
77
79
List
of
Tables
Page
Table 1
:
Relationship
which
Table 2:
Table 6:
34
Between Point of Decision
Influence Career Choice n= 1,695
and
and
Factors
People
35
Between Ethnic Origin and Factors
Influence Career Choice n= 1,695
Relationship
which
Table 5:
Between Geographic Areas
Influence Career Choice n= 1,695
Relationship
who
Table 4:
33
Relationship
which
Table 3:
Between Point of Decision and Factors
Influence Career Choice n= 1,695
Between Gender and Factors
Influence Career Choice n= 1,695
Relationship
Relationship Between Point of Decision
Selected Demographic Variables n= 1
37
which
38
and
,695
40
List
of
Figures
Page
Figure 1: Influences
of
Working
with
People
on
Career Choice
29
Figure 2: Ethnic Distribution
41
Figure 3: Percentage
43
of
Females Versus Males
Figure 4: Career Decision Point
44
Figure 5: Influence
of
Desire to
Figure 6: Influence
of
Nutrition
Figure 7: Influence
of
Financial Rewards
Help
on
Others
on
Career Choice
Career Choice
on
Career Choice
Figure 8: Perceived Value
of
College
Figure 9: Perceived Value
of
American Dietetic Association
Catalog
vi
47
48
50
54
55
Chapter 1
INTRODUCTION
Background
and
Scope
long
been established that
It has
role
in health promotion,
Current
states.
disease
may have
and
proper nutrition
be decreased
and osteoporosis can
Nutrition has been repeatedly
shown
in preventing the development
of
risk of certain
by consuming
to be one
these
played an
rehabilitative effects in some
has demonstrated that the
research
has
leading
disease
cancers, heart
healthy
a
important
diet.
of several modifiable risk
causes of
morbidity
factors
and
mortality.
The high incidence
the American
much
fat,
has in
population
too little
prevalence of
fiber,
of some
part
and not enough
care costs,
has
evaluate
the traditional medical
primarily
concentrated on
priorities
is
expected
in many
Labor Statistics has
34% between the
dietetics.
Little
dietitians and
Vitamins A
to poor
and
1986
noted
model.
dietary habits
or
-
too
Calcium. The
the concern
over
the medical community to re
Historically, the field
of medicine
has
professionals are
This redefining
of
to continue to generate expanded employment
projected
year
prompted
C,
with
prevention and wellness.
areas of
Other factors have
of
attributed
in
and osteoporosis
disease treatment. Currently, health
redirecting their focus toward
opportunities
been
disease,
these serious health problems, coupled
escalating health
health
cancers, heart
health care,
that the
and
2000
contributed
including
growth rate
dietetics. The Bureau
for dietitians
will
increase
of
by
(Dalton, Gilbride, & Luder, 1991).
to the anticipated growth
of
the profession
that the increase in the projected need for registered
other allied
health
personnel can
be attributed to "demographic
changes in the
they
U.S.
population"
(Little, 1989,
require more medical and allied
population
base to
a
larger
body
health
p.
2).
Typically,
The
related services.
of older adults
individuals age
as
in the
shift
has increased the
need
for
service providers.
Other factors
dietitians included:
identified
which were
an
increased desire
as
the part
on
advice, "the trend toward private practice",
increase in
public
importance
of good
in achieving
have significantly
of students
Markley
seeking
and
Huyck
including "declining
bright young
and
the
which
maintaining
enrollment
attribute
enrollments
women who were
enrollment
growth rates
in dietetic
By determining
the field of
nutrition
health
opportunities,
declining
has
are all
role
factors
which
shown a
number
decline.
to several factors
new opportunities
for
the primary candidates for dietetic profession,
(Markley
.
prove
& Huyck, 1992,
to be accurate, and
continues, a shortage
may
of
directly
p.
1).
If
declining
dietitians is
probable.
consumers'
affect
health.
which
factors significantly influence
dietetics, it may be
possible
to avert this
career recruitment
impending
research available on
in
shortage of
experts, and thus better meet the needs of consumers.
there has been little
the
aging
to expand, the
applicant numbers
in higher education,
for dietitians
programs
an
an
nutritional professionals.
continues
programs
shortage of nutritional care professionals
nutritional status and
good
dietitians
in dietetic
the
nutritional
a greater perception of
to the increased need for
registered
for
demonstrates the important
under representation of minorities.
the projected
A
and
contributed
As the demand for
of consumers
(Little, 1989, p 4). These factors,
population, and scientific research
the need for
impacting
new employment
interest for improved health, "and
nutrition"
nutrition plays
positively
Unfortunately,
how to effectively recruit potential
students
into the field
professionals
have
positively impact
of
dietetics (Dunford & Caid, 1991).
sound
scientifically based information
recruitment efforts.
Only
can
Recruitment initiatives
developed from data-based information
will
better
promote
when
they begin
to
which are
dietetics
as a viable
career option.
Statement
of the
Colleges
in their dietetic
Prohlem
have been experiencing decreased
and universities
programs.
recruitment in the
field
of
At the
time, little information is
present
dietetics,
enrollment
available on
to aid those who desire to reverse this
situation.
Purpose
The
purpose of
this research was two-fold.
First,
what point
individuals
make their career
decision
when
dietetics.
Secondly, factors
which
influenced
career
the study examined at
selecting the field
decision
of
were examined.
Research Questions
The
1
.
At
research explored
what point
following
in time did the majority
2.
What factors influenced
3.
Is there
a
the
five
questions:
of students make
career choice
for
students
their career choice?
pursuing dietetics?
relationship between factors that influenced the decision to
become a dietitian
and
the time
when
the decision was made?
4.
What
5.
Is there
career
persons
influenced the
career choice
relationship between
a
decision
and
for
persons who were
the point in time the decision
pursuing dietetics?
students
found to influence
was made?
Assumptions
Several factors may have
entering the field
them to reflect
of
dietetics. Students
on career
made several years ago.
decisions
The
often not as accurate as short
The type
from
profession
made
and
degree
to those
of
to profession.
that the factors
similar
contributed
which
which will
to the
responded
which could
recall on
declining
number of students
to questions
potentially
information from
which asked
could
long
have been
term decisions is
term decisions.
influence factors have
For the
purpose of
influenced dietetic
influence
on career choice
this study, the
students
potential students
may vary
assumption was
to pursue dietetics are
to pursue this field.
Chapter 2
REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE
Career
his
or
choice
her lifetime
making in the field
In
selection some
objectives and
&
of
the most difficult decisions a
Galbraith,
research offers
1989).
as
devising
"the process
developmental
1).
They
useful.
of
occupational
filter
factors
serve as
provides
Gilley
the "most fundamental
The
individual's
and
help
factors
them"
(Gilley
complex
factors. The
"occupational filter. All
as an
which occupational
and second
social
layers
class-collectively
the earliest influences
(1989)
determinant"
of
reported
of
the
such as racial
what career
on an
referred to as
individual's
that a person's culture is
his/her behavior.
values and preferences are shaped
clarify
career
through this occupation filter.
main process of socialization occurs
persons
Galbraith
will achieve
the foundation from
Galbraith
Beyond the family, subcultures,
also
and
& Galbraith, 1989).
characteristics"
"cultural
Gilley
personal and psychological
An individual's culture, subculture,
career selection.
that
These two factors form the first
(Gilley
Authors
that career development is a
potential career opportunities are screened
selection occurs.
decision
which affect career
selecting individual
activities
also noted
involves cultural, social,
and social
areas of a
about career
factors
clearer perspective on
authors refer to the combination of these
Cultural
in
dietetics.
selection"
p.
person will make
It impacts many
little information
background information is
Galbraith, 1989,
process and
&
to obtain a
order
define "career
one of
(Gilley
life. Current
person's
is
they
in the
family
(Gilley
&
unit where an
Galbraith, 1989).
groups, and geographic areas
will pursue
(Gilley
& Galbraith, 1989).
One
for minority group under-representation in
explanation
fields (Crawford &
dinger, 1988) may be
toward the profession.
values
role models and
centers of
represent the second
influence. Reference
opinions, and values of its
friends,
Those
opinion,"
of
be
would
Galbraith, 1989,
individual in
individual to
an
a
have less
career
(Gilley
beliefs,
values"
they
of reference
p.
reference
2) Close
reference group.
but still, "serve
group "can
can
impact
"influencing
often acquired
2).
influence,
also
an
as a reflection
group
&
(Gilley
an
expose an
individual's
group is the family. This
Galbraith, 1989,
"strong
and
alter
an
group has been
social
individual's attitudes,
An individual's
personal
from the family,
and
these
area"
(Gilley
selection of a career
known as
followings because
self-
2).
greatly influence the
maintain
p.
significantly influence
a reference
characteristics can
of
family,
opportunities"; secondly, these groups "can
ambition, self-worth, and drive are
Centers
the
included in the primary
opinions, and values regarding careers.
p.
the screening process for
& Galbraith, 1989,
contact with,
to play a very important role in
shown
of
"influence the attitudes, beliefs,
groups can
First,
& Galbraith, 1989,
Another type
lack
selection"; and third, because the members do "share
attitudes, beliefs and
concept
of
in the secondary
Reference
possible career
a profession a
reference groups,
(Gilley
of ways.
perceptions and
layer
members"
considered
2).
p.
variety
individual's
similar
groups
neighbors and co-workers are
with whom persons
related
occur.
Social factors include
career selection.
health
subcultures'
If a subculture devalues
information may
Social factors
the
some
they
opinion
exhibit
leaders,
are
outstanding
qualities, charisma, credibility, and persuasive skills.
They
&
individuals
who
leadership
can
greatly influence
the opinions
of an
traits."
personal
or expert
individual regarding
"Centers
(Gilley
&
students reveals that
friends, etc.)
were
influence, however, may
of
Galbraith, 1989,
55%
career selection
of
not
2). One study
be
these
of
career specialists
11th and 12th
of
grade
students'
the
"individuals
p.
because
influence (schoolmate,
centers of
with
limited
career
information"
(Lucas, 1985,
p.
1).
While
cultural and social
factors probably
factors
important in
are most
Galbraith, 1989). Personal factors
affect career
decision making
career
of
the occupational filter
attitudes, beliefs and values
with age and experiences.
occupations one
(Gilley
are
in
a
dynamic
finds acceptable, thus
&
age and
life
personality"
represent the third
& Galbraith, 1989,
With maturity
(Gilley
include "the individual's
which
cycle, economic circumstances, life style, and
layer
choice, intrapersonal
state.
comes
p.
2). An individual's
Needs
and
interest
change
the narrowing of the number
fine-tuning
career selections
(Gilley
of
&
Galbraith, 1989).
Career
selection
is further
classes are often
"hierarchically
members
similar
1989,
p.
sharing
2).
Gilley
and
refined and narrowed
ordered and
"values, interest,
Galbraith
(1989)
by
homogeneous in
behaviors"
and
note
social class.
nature,"
with
(Gilley
that "the income
Social
&
level,
Galbraith,
attitude
toward education, and value orientations of a social class greatly influence the
selection of occupations.
class"
within a social
in the past)
These factors tend to
(Gilley
& Galbraith, 1989,
when a parent was employed as a
pursued a similar occupation.
Because
encourages certain activities of
its
perpetuate certain occupations
p.
2).
factory
For example,
worker, the child often
a social class often restricts or
members
it is
& Galbraith, 1989,
often referred
2).
mechanism"
keeping
(Gilley
(particularly
p.
to as a "gate
By
the year
composed of
the 1984
blacks
and
Hispanics
Study Commission
has been
effort
2020, 25% to 30%
made
in the
of
this
(Markley
Dietetics,
on
country's population will
& Huyck, 1992). In the Report
nor
has any strong
acknowledges that "studies
exposure to and
opportunities
in
made
shown
of
to recruit
them."
(Report
of
to
The Commission
general
even greater efforts will
school students with some exposure
dietetics."
attractive
that minority students have much less
the health profession in
Because this is true,
minority high
provide
have
understanding
students.
minority
been
effort
males, from
or
the profession, little has been done to make the profession more
them,
of
the Commission notes, "While no
to restrict other racial groups,
past
be
the 1984
Study
be
to the
than
non-
to
required
career
Commission
on
Dietetics,
1985).
Personal
Economic
career selection.
positive or negative
Galbraith, 1989,
are also
factors
p.
The
age/life
influence
layer
of
"serve
circumstances
as a catalyst
3). The lifestyle
irrespective
for future
job
decisions"
his
or
are
(Gilley
&
her personality
people seek out
them to use their skills and
values and attitudes
(Gibson & Mitchell, 1981).
cycle, economic circumstances, life style, and personality all
a person's perception of possible career areas and
the
they
career
Accordingly
opportunities which allow
expressing their
of whether
a person chooses and
which affect career selection.
environments and
abilities while
toward money and finances are important issues in
attitudes
occupational
The final
filtering
filter
process
perceptions and motivation.
factors play the
Each
the
filtering
& Galbraith, 1989).
includes factors
such as
These factors collectively
psychological
stage of
(Gilley
most
process
form the third
influential
further
role
narrows
in
attitude,
referred
career
beliefs,
to as
decision-making.
the occupational choice.
Individuals
seek out occupations which meet their needs
1989). Successful recruitment strategies
potential students can use
in their
Given the complexity
areas emerged.
Ultimately
of
should
occupational
impact
ultimately
recruitment should
screening
is
initiated
The Association had become
educational crisis evidenced
candidates and competition
candidates"
by
the
recruitment of
was
various
the
concerned about the current
p.
other professions
to investigate how and
was achieved
information
1990
p.
provided
a plan
3). The
questions
of
by
current students
to recruit
review.
the dietetics
study "in
in
capable students
The
profession
the
a
to learn
purpose of
the study
decisions. This
literature
and
nationally data-based survey
the study was to
into the
questions
included:
an attempt
decision-making
profession"
in the study
profession and serve as a
of
the need for more
students make career
proposed outcome of
Some
of
current and projected career
research questions addressed
for the dietetic
the literature
about
dietetic
a
careers."
through a search of the career
(Rodenstein, 1990). The
"develop
into dietetic
when
to attract qualified
3). With recognition
factors that influence
population
study
the low student population, unprepared
among
(Rodenstein, 1990,
major
the American Dietetic Association (ADA).
"increasingly
by
choice.
in dietetics specifically, the
information in the late 1980's the ADA funded
more about
of career choice and
include these factors. But in addition, the family,
career selection
one which was
process.
factors had the
Thus, understanding
the culture, and influential persons also affected career
of note
which
the career selection process several important
on career choice.
When examining
& Galbraith,
teach about factors
personal and psychological
strongest
(Gilley
help
the ADA
(Rodenstein,
reflect
important
framework for the remainder
Rodenstein
(1990)
explored
1
.)
What is the best
2.) What
is the best
3.) What
is the
age
age to recruit students
a profession?
information?
students about careers?
5.) What/who influences
review of
Rodenstein's work,
students about careers?
the literature
will address each of
these questions using
as well as other relevant research.
What is the Best Age to Expose Students to
Rodenstein's
career
into
most effective means to communicate career
4.) What interests
The
to expose students to a profession?
(1990)
decision is based
review of
a
Profession?
the literature suggests that a person's
on a series of
decisions
over a period of time.
Since
this continuum of choices is a developmental process, students should be
exposed to appropriate career-related activities
and
high
school.
Career information
psychosocial aspects of a
salary
Providing
ranges.
moving through the
shaped
by
an
knowledge
and
early
about
of a
training,
childhood
well as objective
exploratory
Rodenstein
interplay
provided to students should
multi-faceted career
career
1990).
(Rodenstein,
career, as
throughout elementary, middle
information,
information
process
to a point
notes career selection
variety
include the
of elements such as
such as
aids the student
of
is
in
decision
"continually being
self-knowledge,
educational and occupational
opportunities, genetic
influences, evolving personality styles,
and patterns of
traits
that individuals express cognitively and psychologically in their behavior and
identity"
career
times
during
receptive
to
(Rodenstein, 1990,
the course
career
of career
p.
6).
However,
development
when an
information (Rodenstein 1990).
10
there are
likely
specific
individual is
more
What JS the Best Aae
To
large
a
to Recruit Students into
best
extent the
determined by the
particular
age
for
field
of
dietetics
dietitians
reported
initiating
point(s) in life that
decision. To date, there have been two
Profession?
a
career
in the literature. Rodenstein's 1989 survey
21 years
Huyck
and
that
or
they
were
indicated they had
students, nearly
already in
(1992)
made
50%,
college or after
reported similar results
Compiled data from their
students.
questionnaires showed
before
when
of
of student
they
old."
Markley
400 dietetic
decision
in the
national studies on recruitment
revealed that of the 600 respondents, 25%
"made their
be
most students make their career
their career decision in high school. The
majority
were
recruitment activities will
in their survey
of over
self-administered
that 25% of the students became interested in dietetics
during secondary
school.
they first became interested in
The majority (43.9
this
the students reported making their
career while
career
in
%)
of students
college.
indicated
Another 18%
decision post college
(Markley
of
&
Huyck, 1992).
Rodenstein's
oriented
decisions
(1990)
are
students are not able
Rodenstein goes
on
recruit a student
into
particular stages of
important to be
students and
continually
refined.
career
they
However,
career-
she noted
want until college or
that many
later.
to summarize, "it is fair to say that there is not a best age to
a profession
but there
development that
sure
the literature suggested that
being
to specify the
might
are activities
interest
that can be utilized at
a student
in dietetics. It is
that the activity is suitable for the particular group
does fit into the developmental tasks
(Rodenstein, 1990,
stage"
that
review of
p.
which can
be
of
mastered at
10).
The data from both Rodenstein's
and
11
Markley
and
Huyck's
studies
demonstrated that
college and non-traditional students
source of potential
dietetic
initiatives
successful recruitment
school
Markley
students.
students, but also college
may be
Huyck
and
a significant
(1992)
noted
be broad based, targeting
should
that
only high
not
and second career students.
What is the Most Effective Means to Communicate Career Information?
The
type
most effective
how its
of materials and
developmental
age of
that
suggested
way to disseminate
presented will
the student.
students
During
"be introduced to
occupations."
She further
since
to a
.
.
.
"these
career
.
students are
p.
Career information
greater
insight to
During
working in
students
career activities
seem
career
to
7).
p.
use
decision
books.
into
For
visible
nature"
be "general in
addition
"should be
stated
p.
teaching may
that the
and skill
to
p.
obtain
principle resource
than formal
8). She
to
the information
is
job"
about a
research
ones"
when
cautioned
information to be assimilated
12
a
provide
observation of someone who
resources more
to a
7).
to reading information
(Rodenstein, 1990,
exposed
be demonstrated.
Rodenstein noted that according to the
career
Rodenstein
The relationship between
.
classroom
(Rodenstein, 1990,
informal
lack the knowledge
reference
assimilated
job in
less
opportunities should
information "should be
a particular
the
the
years
range of
school students
job
high school, Rodenstein
(Rodenstein, 1990,
"students
is
which
communicate career
often
broad
orientation of major occupational clusters.
student's school work and potential
their
the elementary
on
including
7).
that middle
reported
depending
vary
a
that
information
too young to relate their strengths and limitations
(Rodenstein, 1990,
.
Rodenstein
broad
suggested
career
that students
they
by
making
need
from
the student it must
be
"personalized"
to "engage the
student"
(Rodenstein, 1990,
"In other words, simple exposure to information is
1
990,
p.
8).
Rodenstein further
career, the information
Markely
and
are good vehicles
and
Huyck
influence
further
to
(1992)
on
appears
will
feel to
work
in
see
a certain
digested"
communicated and
study
revealed
the decision
add
further
the message
through a course and
or contact with a
dietetics. Data from
of
dietitian
Markely
that these two factors had a significant
of potential students
marketing
Rodenstein's
credence to
that a course in nutrition
"personalize"
suggested that
nutrition
be effectively
Huyck's findings
to
(Rodenstein,
10).
p.
It
recommendations.
will not
insufficient"
that "unless the student can hear and
the job entails and how it
a clear picture of what
(Rodenstein, 1990,
adds
10).
p.
to pursue dietetics.
strategies should
include
bringing
in
students
The
authors
"exposing"
students
dietitians.
contact with
What Interests Students About Careers?
Before
career must
about
this
a student can
be
To
engaged.
field, Rodenstein
attracted them
be influenced to
to the field
elicit
pursue a
information
on what
asked respondents
dietetics."
Results
of
were
"special
abilities
that
an
interest in the
interested
students
to check "the factors that
of
have"
"attractions"
career,
you
her data
showed
the
(70%), "challenges
complete"
(67%)
and
"job tasks
"Status"
and
"salary
and
fringe
responses, 23% and 20%
efforts should
focus
fact that this is
(60%) (Rodenstein, 1990,
you will
on
the
benefits"
received
respectively.
challenges
a career where
the lowest
p.
top
on
three
the
job"
19).
number of
Rodenstein suggested that "recruitment
that dietitians have in their jobs and the
specially talented
13
people can succeed.
Status
and
were not perceived as
salary
1990,
being
to the
an attraction
field"
(Rodenstein,
p.19).
What Influences Students About Careers?
What influences
eventually
Many
students about a career and motivates them to
factors may sway
students
is
select a specific career
a person's career choice.
in Rodenstein's
factors had
a complex process which occurs over
(1990)
obtain career
"opportunity for developing
rated as either
"important"
by
over
90%
job"
to Rodenstein the high priority
importance
made
were
"looking
for
to
a place
factors
excel and
develop
"although pay, fringe benefits and prestige are
important
as
the need for
an
important, they
still
secure and at
opportunities"
(Rodenstein, 1990,
offers a challenge and
Markley
information
to
a
rank
which was similar
the degree
dietitian.
Markely
of
several
Huyck's
(1992)
others; the relationship between
were
highly
rated positive
Rodentein's research,
among the factors
In
an effort
Huyck's study
to
did
factors had
are not as
the same time
19).
and
health;
an
"opportunity to help
and an
p.
interest in health",
937).
Huyck found that financial
to influence
obtain more complete
to
their decision to become
(Markley & Huyck, 1992,
not appear
were also asked
on
study found that
nutrition and
factors
Markley
which
that
to Rodenstein's. The researchers asked students
influence
and
p.
stated
their self designed questionnaire, pursued
Huyck, using
and
of
that dietetic students
She further
skills".
job that is
interesting
"clear"
it
were
of respondents
(Rodenstein, 1990). However, according
assigned to the above
various
"Working
skills", and "challenge in my
important"
"very
or
information,
the influence
were asked to rate
survey
their decision to become a dietetic practitioner.
on
conditions",
To
time.
identify
14
Similar to
rewards were
career choice.
information,
students
and rank career
in
Markley
and
factors. Compiled
survey
care",
results revealed that students selected:
'leaching
interests. Two
"counseling
1992,
and
other
health
and
frequently
behavior
and
promotion"
"health, disease
and
and
cooking"
"food
health
as their
top
three
included interests in:
selected choices
changes,"
fitness"
"sports
and
and
(Markley & Huyck,
936).
p.
A 1974
dietitians
national
study
freshmen
of college
aspiring to be
who were
that the primary reasons for their career choice
reported
were
"altruistic". The report further stated that, "as group, those pursuing dietetics
seemed
was
traditionally feminine in
raising
either
health
a
family, they
outlook...
seemed
the average female student
professions"
(NAH)
Professions, 1977,
important
by
(endorsed
by
at
p.
or other women
helping
others
of
Nursing
...were
life (61
percent
The
national
a meaningful
authority in
one's
findings
reporting that those aspiring to be dietitians
their
by
outlook.
field (59
They
intrinsic"
reasons
wanting to have
gave
percent
raising
...)
business"
others, and succeeding in their "own
Allied Health Professions, 1977,
While Rodenstein's,
influence
personal
issues,
Markley
such as
an
their
"conventional"
"along
with
Other than
aspiring dietitians
showed
Nursing
"little
and
99).
and
Huyck's
desire to
15
studies
raise a
in
included supervising
(Freshman Interested in
p.
...),
were
status"
concern with achievement and
family
summarized
as their career choice.
management responsibilities which
very
becoming
and
study
a
percent
primarily "altruistic", "people oriented",
for choosing dietetics
Allied Health
and
difficulty (65.7
in
developing
philosophy
and allied
considered essential or
the aspiring dietitians
...),
their top-ranked goal
aspiring to nursing
(Freshman Interested in
of
percent
since
to be more conventionally feminine than
101). "The four life goals
least half
68.1
Indeed,
did
not address
family, had
the
on career
choice, similarities between these two studies
seem
Data from
to exist.
student
dietitian
others.
Monetary
each of
is interested
compensation appeared to
of
the 1974
these three studies
as someone who
tangible aspects
and
national
the image of the
endorsed
helping
and concerned with
be secondary to
study
other
less
the career.
Gender Differences in Career Choices
In
to
addition
general
factors
influence
which
career
choice, other
variables, such as gender and financial rewards, may be important to explore
when
career
examining
discussed have
explored career
There
students.
decision for dietitians. Thus far the three
perspective of
may have
Career
research conducted
to
related more
findings
by
tendencies
gender
Wilson
the
on
"gifted"
which were gender specific.
the "most important factor in career
satisfaction"
was
rather
high
"opportunity for creativity
school student
reported
selection
was
and
than career issues.
Wilson
challenges"
However,
dietetics
the possibility that similarities in findings between these
exists
studies
revealed some
issues from the
major studies
that "job
for both
sexes.
.
the second most
"salary"
important factor for females,
(Wilson,
were
while
1982). Another study
significantly
decision then
more
women.
likely
While
their male counterparts selected
involving
to
mention
11th
grade students
money
women were
as a
found that
factor in their
found to be
more
likely
men
career
to
mention
(Block, Denker, Tittle, 1981).
achievements"
others"
and "personal
"helping
Historically
the field
of
dietetics has been predominately female.
database information
the early 1 990's ADA'S
own
dietitians
In her study Rodenstein
of male
were males.
dietetic
students
(4.8%)
was
too
small
16
revealed
(1990)
to
allow
less than 1 0%
reported
for
Even in
of
the percentage
statistical
comparisons.
of male
Markley
respondents,
same reasons as
and
Huyck
did
and
(1992)
reported a similar percentage
(5.7%)
not address gender comparisons, perhaps
for the
Rodenstein. In 1974,
of
those aspiring to be dietitians only
two percent were males. Once again, because the number
population was small,
was not possible
Professions,
statistically
valid comparisons
(Freshman Interested in
1 977).
For
each of
indicative
Financial Rewards
Career Choices
In the
studies
is held
by
some
Commission
of
students,
the 1984
Dietetics
reported that
where
Study
a student
highly
changing
did
a
not appear
different
minds of
choosing
"the focus
young
on salaries seems
people as
salary
they
select
of most allied
Study
not
the higher paying, traditionally
longer
male careers.
needs
has led to
The
echoed similar
to be
increasingly
their careers. The
health practitioners may
an alternative career path even
social and economic environment
career options and no
may
view
racial minorities and
Dietetics, 1985). Little (1989)
is personally less interesting to the
social sciences
as a whole.
qualified students
student"
alternative
in the
the competition to attract such students is greater (Report
commission on
important in the
in
of males
However,
low salaries, particularly
of
cost of education and the modest
result
Allied Health
considerations
career choice.
genders
currently practicing in the field. For example, the 1984
sentiments when she stated that
more
and
the dietetic population
influencing
dietetics because
consider
male
on
of
discussed thus far, financial
to play a significant role in
between the two
these studies the percentage
sample population was
and
Nursing
in the
of males
though the
(Little, 1989,
women
gifted
p.
3). The
pursuing
more of
female has many
to confine herself to careers in health or the
(Wilson, 1982).
17
The
the pool
is
writer
unaware of research which
of potential students who considered
career other
researcher explored
a role
factors
in their
information from
dietetics but ultimately
influenced 11th
which
high students did
primary
reason
salary.
Educational
from
selected a
teachers
health
areas of
high
grade
research revealed
school
that the
conditions also served
working
(Lucas, 1985). Even
compelled to remain in a health related
higher paying
His
12th
and
one
not choose education as a career was
requirements and
becoming
However,
career selection.
students not to pursue education as a career.
are
gathered
than dietetics. Without this information it is difficult to determine if
finances did indeed play
students
has
field because
the
to deter
individual feels
when an
of altruistic
feelings there
science such as medicine and physical
therapy.
Who Influences Students About Careers?
The
attitudes of
selection either
found that
toward or away from a career.
students
for their decision
process:
counselor
identify
not
making.
teachers
one
However,
the two most
dietetic
(38%), friend
(26%) (Rodenstein,
identified "a friend
career
did
career.
decision
frequently
Another
person as
primary
1990).
by
(34%),
Markley
than a parent
selected
individuals
(33%)
Huyck's
(31%),
who
Additionally, Markley
key
a
the
resource
following
and guidance
(1992)
and a
lead
person who students ranked as
was a parent
being
research
in their decision making
parent
and
career
(1990)
students of
played a role
or peer
or relative other
Rodenstein's
the ranking
indicated that these individuals
people
as
parents, teachers and friends may influence
research
dietitian
students
(30.3%)"
to consider a
having influenced
their
(7.6%).
and
Huyck
(1992)
18
found that
students who made
their career choice in high school were
primarily influenced
students who made that
decision later in life
college professor or advisor.
dietetics
during
In addition,
college were more
than second-career students
Other research, though
insight. Lucas
state of
Tennessee.
defined), parent,
(1985)
Since
years,
to
with
limited
career selection
is
high
resource
Rodenstein
for
career
information
students
to
students
(45%)
resource
they
rank
(1990)
for twelfth
(not
person
dietetic
their
influence
spanning many
in the decision making
that this may explain why one primary
emerge
from her
"influences"
career
of ten possible choices.
in making their
came
knowledge.
the category
students reported
career
Rodenstein
The largest
as
decision.
asked
number of
of
career
To
research.
In addition, 37%
the
of
the
that working in the field of dietetics helped them make
decision (Rodenstein, 1990).
In their
(1992)
used
in their
students, the
"book/magazine/brochure"
selected
in the
or school personnel.
school students career
the most important
up to five
"other"
grade
a complex series of choices
stated
schools
friend,
family, friends,
decision making did not
on
provide additional
the most influential
Interestingly
career
a college professor
from three high
grade students selected
of
by
dietetics, may
school students
that 55%
a
became interested in
often a combination of media resources are used
process.
obtain
not specific
process.
by
& Huyck, 1992).
was someone other than
reported
from individuals
students who
and vocational teacher as
primary influence
Lucas
Eleventh
decision making
career
high
surveyed
parents, while
primarily influenced
to be influenced
likely
(Markley
were
by
attempt
asked students
to
obtain similar career
"who
or what
led
you
information, Markley
to
consider a career
applied"
Respondents
were asked
to "check all that
19
from
a
list
of
and
in
20
Huyck
dietetics?"
options.
A
course
in
nutrition was
consider a
dietetics
the most
career.
relative other than a parent.
"newspapers/magazine
frequently
Other top
responses
The fourth
articles"
selected
(books
most
were not
Markley
and
which
selected
included).
Markely
Huyck
and
It
factor
note
to
and a
Huyck's
(1992)
that this may be "important feedback because many
students
should
than 10% of the students selected the category of "pamphlets".
state
led
included dietitian,
frequently
that Rodenstein's questionnaire did not include
responses as possible selections.
factor
was
be
noted
top
three
that less
The
authors
schools and
students"
organizations
rely
& Huyck, 1992,
p.
on
brochures
and pamphlets
936).
20
for recruiting
(Markley
Chapter 3
METHODOLOGY
Survey Instrument Resign
The survey instrument developed for this
study
page
was
(front
and
developed
obtained
in
back)
questionnaire
that
so
(Appendices 4 & 5). The
a maximum amount of objective
a short period of
undergraduate students in a
dietetics
respondents completed the
Since the
questionnaire was to
time, brevity
questionnaire
information
was
be
class at
Rochester Institute
of
with
thought to be a
during
key
12
Technology
survey instrument in less than 10
administered
be
could
time. The questionnaire was pilot tested
(RIT). All
student's own
was an eight-item single
minutes.
a class period or on a
factor to
obtain a sufficient
sample size.
Question 1
made their career
requested
decision.
Only
"yes"
a simple
Students
selected and checked
brief listings. For Questions 3, 4,
asked
to rate the
various
on their career
their
rate
Likert rating
scale of
response.
positive
(as
For
responses.
when
they
response was
certain
Each
"very important",
their
5 (Appendix 4 & 5),
factors,
career
students were
people, and media sources
question and
were asked
other end of
made
these questions students were asked to
negative, (or "not
On the
they
the most appropriate response, from
and
each of
Students
1-5.
represented a
useful")
influence
choice.
numerically
Number 1
in their life
"no"
or
to indicate at what point in their life
seven
had
was one point
to encourage students to complete the survey tool. Question 2 asked
respondents
decision.
if there
asked students
its components had
a
to circle their response.
important", "low influence",
"not
the scale, a number 5 was indicative
"high influence",
21
"very useful")
response.
A
of a
numerical
rating
and
quickly
easily
anything they
opportunity to
Question 7
This
First, it
allowed students
respond to questions with several sub-parts;
which was
necessary
to
and
second, the
since
the sample
if there
was an open-ended question which asked students
wanted
The
career options.
The last
reasons.
large.
Question 6
was
for two
for easy computer coding,
scale allowed
size was
scale was used
to know more about
they
when
were
investigating
purpose of this question was to provide students with the
respond without the constraints of preselected "answers".
asked student to
question on
the survey, number
question was placed
answering the
indicate their two
last
so
it
8,
major
interest
contained
would not
areas
in dietetics.
demographic information.
distract the
from
respondent
more subjective questions.
Sample Selection
The survey
the United States
population consisted of colleges and universities
which offered nutrition/dietetic
American Dietetic Association's 1990-1991
the
sample population
used
to
most
information and
select
Out
of
252
programs.
was mailed
five 1989-90
nationwide
demographic
the
onset.
All
In
Dietetic
an effort
for the
was
to generate the
sample population.
a possible moderate return rate, a
data pool,
large survey
which would reflect
provide a sufficient sample size within each of
areas
Programs"
programs which reported
graduates were selected
generate a sufficient
differences and
surveyed.
of
The
programs, survey information was mailed to 156
Anticipating
to
"Directory
programs.
use resources economically, programs which contained
small numbers were eliminated at
greater than
to be
Plan IV/V
throughout
the ADA
uses
to divide the United States.
22
any
the 7
sample
regional
Survey Administration
The initial sampling
consisted of a questionnaires and a pre-addressed
directors
envelope which was mailed to
Each
schools.
explained
be
the purpose
for the
of
the study (Appendix 1). The
for
small
were
with
return postage.
All
questionnaire, and
It
the
responsible
was sent
(Appendix 2). A
mailing
return
within
initially
was made
to the
that the
number of
questionnaires was
planned
to
incoming
the graduating
included to
allow
pre-addressed return envelopes
school assumed
responsibility for the
to have the students complete the
the time frame
provided.
the primary factor for not using postage paid return
that
prepaid postage would not
the school, not the individual,
have
would
a significant
be
return postage cost.
response rate
to all
for the first sampling
a second
schools
sampling
was
too low to provide
was required.
A
follow-up
that did not respond to the first mailing
sufficient sample size was obtained when
the first and second
were totaled.
The first mailing
dietetics
dietetic
them
data for comparison,
enough
Each
schools were asked
return rate since
for the
equal
five to ten
briefly
number of questionnaires
questionnaire was
For convenience,
was assumed
Since the
mailing
of
the mailing.
cost was
envelopes.
effect on
be approximately
discrepancies.
The
Since the
factor"
A "pad
included
sample
the number of graduating seniors
by
to freshmen only, the assumption
class would
senior class.
determined
previous year.
administered
freshmen
Plan IV/V
packet of questionnaires contained a cover letter which
each school received was
reported
of preselected
students.
program
of
the April 1991
However,
directors
questionnaire was
adjustments were made when
revealed
targeted to freshman
feedback from
that many students did not declare a major
23
until
later in their college
Phone
career.
participating in the survey to
school
dietetic
questionnaire to all
questionnaires
distributed in the
freshmen may have been
was so
low that its impact
request that
students.
that the survey be administered to
contacts were attempted with each
all
Additional
dietetic
second
administer
written
the
instructions requesting
students were
included
with all
mailing (Appendix 3). Although
in the first mailing, the
over represented
on
they
the overall study
return rate
was minimal.
Data Analysis
Data
using the Statistical Package for the Social
were analyzed
Sciences (SPSS). Frequencies for
outliers and
missing data. Few
percentage of
Percentages
missing data
(Question
3)
Chi Square
4
could
was on
tendency
in the data,
were
career choice.
have been treated
influenced
influenced
as
interval,
frameworks a more
Chi Square
analysis.
and
to be
the
calculated, and
which
career choice
influence
career
(Question 4).
career
choice, and person who
ordinal scales used
and
thus
used
in
in Questions 3
use of
compared
24
Chi Square
and
regression or analysis
conservative approach was used
In addition, the
research
identify
to examine relationships between point of
Although the
of variance
the findings of this
examined, for factors
analysis was used
which
to
the average no higher than 4%.
and persons who
decision and factors
influenced
outliers were noted
of subjects who answered each response were
measures of central
choice
all variables were examined
by employing
analysis would enable
to findings of similar
studies.
Chapter 4
RESULTS
AND
DISCUSSION
Introduction to Results
This
chapter
descriptive findings
begins
of
to provide for clarity.
with a report of
this study.
Other
the sample characteristics and
Research
questions are answered
findings, including Chi Square
relative
separately
analyses, are
then stated.
Sample Characteristics
Of the
substantial number of questionnaires
directors
of approved
returned.
The first mailing,
sample size, was
dietetic programs, 1,695
completed questionnaires were
which was anticipated
distributed April, 1991
to generate a sufficient
schools, particularly those out
Many
.
distributed to Plan IV/V
state, found it difficult to administer the questionnaires
semester.
Proximity to
IV/V directors to
questionnaires
1991
administer
the first
the
main reason given
wave of questionnaires.
or
12.9%
the spring
were received
for failure
Of the 1
of
Plan
,695
from the initial April
mailing.
sample size.
,695
The
total
of
1991 a
second
subsequent
mailing
received
information was received,
mailing
generated
questionnaires received.
contacted, information was
no
exams was
returned, only 218
In October
the 1
final
during
of
number of questionnaires returned varied
Of the
seven
demographic
Areas, 5
25
out
One program, in
its Plan IV
greatly between
and
87.0%
of
colleges and universities
schools.
phasing
to increase the
questionnaires or
,475
Of the 156
from 84
reported
1
was undertaken
program.
which
The
schools.
7 had the highest
number of
Area 5 had 372 questionnaires returned, Area 7 had
questionnaires returned.
373
questionnaires.
and
the
territory
of
Information
was received
Puerto Rico. The largest
questionnaires came from New
from 36
York State. Of the 156
schools which were
from 53.9%
questionnaires, 72,
Demographic information
10.6%
were male.
majority,
53.0%,
Another 14.3%
group
was
comprised
the
revealed
Ninety
The remaining 9.9%
were received
that 89.4%
of respondents were
the respondents
26-30
years old.
13.1%
population.
When
were
while
26.2%,
as their
on
the
various
minority
ages of
between 23-25
who were
those 17-19
31
years or
The
years old.
of
they
9.1%
considered
Responses
26.8%,
the
older,
years old represented
area,
and
were white.
old; 10.4%
years
a suburban community.
number who selected a rural
female,
groups.
20-22
respondents were asked which area
home the majority, 47.0%, indicated
equally divided
in the Northeast.
indicated they
between the
Respondents
the sample,
of
from
a school
schools.
20. The largest
of respondents were
percent of the students
of respondents were
of
from
the
of
mean number of questionnaires received per school was
number of
of
the 48 states surveyed
responses, 164
number of
mailed questionnaires, responses were received
The
of
versus
were
the city,
home.
Descriptive Findings
In Question 1
in their life
when
,
93.6%
they decided 'Io
respondents were asked
was
made, the
"college".
of respondents reported
pursue a career
in Question 2, to
identify
number one choice selected
Another 16.9% indicated that their
the 11th or 12th
grade of
high
school.
by
26
was
"one
point"
in dietetics". When
when
57.6%
career
Students
that there
their career decision
of respondents was
decision
who made
was made
during
their career decision
prior
to 11th grade, compose 6.3% of the group.
decision "after
career
exposure through work
the population. The remaining 8.2%
Respondents
who made their
experience,"
10.5%
comprised
of respondents selected
of
the category of
"other."
In Question 3, respondents
have influenced their
important"
"quite"
or
"very
"positive comments about
dietitian", 60.3%
or
career
decision. A
indicating
of
dietetics"
of
value of
selected
important"
in
1
or
2
which
4
5, indicating that
or
helping
to their
by
distributed
Another 42.3%
value of
of respondents
by
diversity
"very
financial
indicating
indicated that
by
of work environment almost
or
was
that
of
Approximately
4 or 5
one
was selected
or
rated
"part-time
Values
of
1
or
work
2 were
the
neutral value of
3.
part-time work opportunities was
a value
4
73.4%,
important"
"very
5. With
or
respect
of respondents
by
selecting
to
influencing
a
5.
The two factors
which were rated
highest
27
by
"quite"
three quarters,
or
respondents,
part-time employment was
assigning it
"quite
in making their
rewards were
rewards.
important"
indicated this factor
4
28.3%
value of
percent selected
important"
or
3. A
"quite"
when respondents were
Respondents
career selection.
of respondents,
important"
value of
this factor was
rewards played
was selected
a similar pattern as
33.7%
was
them "decide to become a
indicated that financial
minimally important. Twenty-four
to
in
influence financial
opportunities"
"quite
that this factor
5, indicating
was
were well
the neutral
respondents,
"very
selected
or
may
opportunity for
that financial rewards were minimally important.
third, 36.1 %,
35.6%
4
value of
selected a value of
to rate the degree
respect to
which
to them. When respondents rated how important
"very important". Results
asked
With
career choice.
advancement, 47.8% selected a
to rate different factors
were asked
with respect
favorably
respondents
"job
A
enjoyment".
toward pursuing dietetics
that interest in nutrition
"quite
82.7%
important"
the value
a value of
that "job
"Opportunities to
respondents when
90.1%
of
help
important"
in Figure 1
that
assigning it
4
or
sought
with
(86.5%),
having
relative
-
on
career
of respondents
selecting the
influence
selected
by
by
values of
"high"
or
their
were selected
by
"quite"
or
"very
were also asked
career selection.
important"
"quite"
was
1 and 2
or
"very
of
influence
As
to
seen
by
influence
they had
on
3 to the
"some"
(value 2),
"low"
(92.6%), sibling
guidance counselor
of an
"some"
or
question.
career
28
(85.8%),
"neutral"
or
employer,
influence
Another 10.6% indicated
indicating
their
people might
the respondents rated the
the influence
respectively.
value of
of
(value 1),
asked about
18.9% of respondents,
"moderate"
5
or
decision: grandparent
indicated that
assigning the
4
Respondents
on
than parent or sibling
(83.9%), father (77.1%). When
70.4%
had
Over 75%
either
their
other
of
4.
important to
was
to determine the degree
"low"
(value 3) influence
being
indicated
5.
exert on a person's career choice.
people as
a value of
others"
people"
a value of
Question 4
following
Values
by
"very
of respondents
"helping
89.6% indicated this factor
,
.2%
was also rated as
indicating
"working
that interest in
others"
to their decision to pursue dietetics.
the influence
to become a
important"
was
by selecting
career choices.
making
respondents,
important"
rate
"quite
was
indicating
to their career decision. When asked about "job
5 to the factor. Another 21
enjoyment"
and
respondents,
4, indicating
of
enjoyment", 74.4% of respondents indicated that it
assigning
of
deciding
when
selected
important"
by
was selected
"very
was
dietitian. Another 15.2%
nutrition was
5,
value of
nutrition"
"interest in
were
that
Values
of
an employer
decision.
4
or
had
5
a
by
a neutral
was
UJ
O
O
X
o
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UJ
UJ
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o
Ul
QJ
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o
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iE
_
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CVJ
3DVU_30U_d
29
Of the individuals listed, respondents
teachers
had the
having
as
influence. However the majority
had
mother
"some"
or
had
mother
respondents selected a value of 4 or
"low"
of
5,
on career
respondents
were
in
helping
respondents
decision
by
by choosing
Question 5
indicated
34.4%
"moderate"
"moderate"
a
An
It is
student
(for
"high"
or
choice.
three categories
in their decision
Of the 1695
reported
when
unable
whatever
making:
influence
23.1%
influence
on
their
Over 50%
of
to
use
them,
the
informational
based
career
school guidance
sources were unavailable,
the information was available and the
or
selected not
reason)
of
to
use
the
resource.
received, approximately 650 respondents
questionnaires
that literature from the American Dietetic Association was not used
making their
career choice.
Of those
useful"
useful"
or
by
"very
selecting
respondents selected a value of
value of
respondents who used
1
or
2
was selected
3
by
a value of
indicating
36.2%
of
4
resources were
or
the
the
"moderately
5. Twenty-seven percent of
material was of neutral value.
respondents, which indicated that
useful"
material
of
scale.
computer
informational
Association's materials, 36.7% indicated that the
A
"high"
or
additional
4 or 5 on the rating
following
not apparent whether these
thus students were
1 or 2. As a
4)
search, career video/films/film strips, literature from the high
office.
"high"
or
to determine how useful various informational sources
sought
used"
"moderate"
a
(value
of respondents.
the respondents make their career
"not
career choice.
a value of
a
a value of
indicated that the
sources were
which
their
and
their career, 36.2% of
influence by selecting
indicated that friends had
career selection
on
on
friends,
respondents, 46.3% indicated that their
category, teachers were found to exert
(value 5)
influence
most positive
When rating the influence their
selected mother,
from the Association
was
"not
or
30
only "somewhat
useful".
From
the informational sources listed on the
survey
by
catalogs were selected
with
their career decision.
"moderate"
(value 4)
Several speciality
students'
from
a
list
College
Decision
(20.7%),
First,
variables.
relationships
indicate the
Factors
of
of
the
students.
dietetics. To
help
determine
interest
most prevalent areas of
(18.9%),
clinical nutrition
and
were:
health
a series of
Students
Career Choice
Influencing
analysis was used
between the
career choice.
55.3%
either
(17.0%).
and
Chi Square
5) by
being
asked respondents to select two areas
The three
of eight possibilities.
promotion/wellness
of
(value
in the field
areas exist
consultation/private practice
Point
useful"
in assisting
the "most
catalogs were rated as
interest, Question 7
areas of
university/college
useful,"
being
respondents as
"very
or
instrument,
to
Chi Square
examine
particular point
from
in their life
The first selection, "as far back
as
I
relationships
analyses were
decision
point of career
selected
the
and
among the
done to determine the
factors
influencing
one of seven possible responses
when
to
their career decision was made.
can remember",
had
a response rate of
grade)"
0.7%.
The
second selection
response rate of
3.8%
Question
Since the
very low, these
reflected point of
2, 8.1%
n varied
of
due to
response rate
(7th
or
for
and
10th
grade or earlier.
of respondents selected
was omitted
a small amount of
missing data.
31
a
grade,"
was selected
by
the first three
into
one
unit,
which
When answering
the last category
for the Chi Square
had
8th
each of
responses were collapsed
decision at tenth
"other"
The category
school
The third response, "9th
.5%.
of respondents.
selection was
thus
1
"junior high
option of
analysis.
"other".
For Tables 1
-6
After
point of
examined the
decision
work exposure were more
for advancement
as
df 18,
decision
Decision
and
college were
than
counselor
An
less
having had
expected
likely
a
opportunities
likely
very important.
and
factors
(Northeast)
parts of
were more
the country to
work experience
(Appendix
when geographic areas were
Career Choice
to
examine point of
employer
report
revealed
decision
who made
However,
a
their
and
career
other
that a teacher had low influence
that 58.4%
on
their career decision.
after exposure
to
on
of students rated guidance
Students
work experience were
(X2=30.44, df 12, P<.01) to indicate that
had
decision
than those who made decisions at
low influence
had influenced their
students.
in Area 7
through
findings
Influencing
decision. The data
who made their career
the
after exposure
(X2=78.67, df 12, P<.001) to
counselors as
dietetics through
to rate
decision
influence decision (Table 3). Students
decision in
likely
point of
than students in other
analysis was also used
who
career
influencing
demonstrated.
Persons
individuals
their
which
factors listed in Question 3 (Table 2).
Chi Square
times
of
work opportunities as
between
were no other significant
compared with
of
P=.01)
factors
field
P<.01)
done
same students were also more
students who attended school
make their career
Point
df 12,
were
and
exposure to the
to rate part-time
career choice were
likely (X2=33.95,
There
had
likely (X2=26.24,
other significant relationships
Those
6).
who
decision
point of
very important. These
(X2=28.65, df 12, P<.01)
influencing
collapsed, analyses
relationship between
decision (Table 1). Students
No
was
less
a guidance
choice.
low degree
of
influence
students who made
32
on career choice
for 59.9%
of
their career decision after exposure
Table 1
Relationship
Factors
Factors
Influencing
Opportunity
,695
X2
Career Choice
26.25*
for
advancement
Positive comment
Financial reward
Diverse
which
Between Point of Decision and
Influence Career Choice n= 1
about
22.59
dietetics
18.42
17.14
work environment
28.65*
Part-time
Opportunities to help
A job that you enjoy
work opportunities
Working
**
12.10
20.82
with people
Interest in
Note.
14.14
others
14.65
nutrition
p<
.01
.
Categories for
point of
decision
were:
11th or 12th grade, college, and after exposure through
Degrees of freedom for all analyses were 12.
33
10th grade
or
earlier,
work experience.
Table 2
Relationship
Factors
Factors
Influencing
Opportunity
which
Between Geographic Areas and
Influence Career Choice n= 1
,695
X2
Career Choice
for advancement
Positive comment
Financial reward
about
22.43
dietetics
32.48
23.96
Diverse work environment
Part-time work opportunities
Opportunities to help others
A job that you enjoy
34.66
Working
20.19
28.60
37.32
with people
Interest in
30.29
nutrition
Note. None
for
22.85
of
the Chi Square analyses
all comparisons were
24.
were significant.
See Appendix 6 for
areas.
34
Degrees
of
freedom
categories of geographic
Table 3
Between Point of Decision and
Influence Career Choice n= 1
Relationship
People
People
Influencing
who
,695
Career Choice
X2
Teacher
78.67
Grandparent
Friends
18.43
20.63
Mother
58.37
Father
58.31
Sibling
26.82
Other Relative
Guidance Counselor
An Employer
23.12
Note.
**
30.44
86.27
***
p<
earlier, 11th
experience.
.01
or
**
p<.001
Categories for point of decision were: 10th grade
;
12th grade, college, and after exposure through work
Degrees
.
of
freedom for
all analyses were
35
12.
or
to
work experience were more
likely
than expected
to indicate that an employer had a high degree
decision. Students
who made
experience were more
influence
on
likely
their decision
of
(X2=86.27, df 12, P<.001)
influence
on
their
career
their career decision after exposure to
than expected to rate their parent as
(mother, X2=58.37, df 1 2, P<.001
work
having
a
low
; father X2=58.31
,df
12, P<.001).
Chi Square analysis indicated that 58.6%
as
having
had
decision in
a
low influence
college were even
their
less
Students
choice.
likely
sibling
who made their career
(X2=26.82, df 12,
than expected
to indicate that a sibling has had some influence on their choice.
P<.01)
other significant relationships
career choice were
Chi Square
diverse
point of
analysis was performed
which
influence
being
work environment as
frequently
between
decision
and
factors
No
influencing
demonstrated.
differences in factors
being
on
of students rated their
than expected, while
very important to their
to test for ethnic
career choice
career
(Table 4 & 5). Men
very important to their
diverse
women rated
decision
more
and/or gender
career
rated
decision less
work environment as
than expected
frequently
(X2=15.44, df4, P<.01).
Chi Square
expected
being
than
demonstrated that
(X2=26.75, df 4, P<.001 ) to
very important in their
expected
being
analysis
career
very important to their
expected
career
career
than
while men were
less
likely
than
select part-time work opportunities as
decision.
(X2=17.59, df 4, P<.01) to
very important in their
likely
select part-time work opportunities as
decision,
(X2=26.75, df 4, P<.001) to
women were more
decision,
Women
select
were also more
working
while men were
36
likely
with people as
less
likely
being
than expected
Table 4
Relationship
Factors
Factors
Influencing
Opportunity
Positive
Diverse
which
Between Ethnic Origin and
Influence Career Choice n= 1
Career Choice
X2
for advancement
comment about
,695
4.67
dietetics
1
.25
3.62
work environment
Part-time work opportunities
Opportunities to help others
A job that you enjoy
2.50
Working
2.81
6.41
3. 1 1
with people
Interest in
4.68
nutrition
Note. None of the Chi Square analyses were significant. Degrees of freedom
for all comparisons were 4. The analysis included Caucasians and Afro
Americans
only.
37
Table 5
Between Gender and
Influence Career Choice n= 1
Relationship
Factors
Factors
for advancement
Positive comment
Financial reward
about
,695
X2
Influencing Career Choice
Opportunity
Diverse
which
2.02
dietetics
3.31
7.79
15.44*
work environment
26.75*
Part-time work opportunities
Opportunities to help others
A job that you enjoy
9.95
14.10*
17.59*
Working
with people
Interest in
Note.
**
6.61
nutrition
***
p<.01
;
p<.001
.
Degrees
of
freedom for
38
all comparisons were
4.
(X2=17.59, df 4, P<.01)
career
decision.
No
to select working with people as very important to their
relationship between factors
other significant
influenced
career choice and gender were
significant
relationship
compare
Caucasian
was
and
found
when
Afro-American
listed in Question 3. When Chi Square
and gender
were
differences
demonstrated.
Chi Square
In addition,
no
analysis was used
students and the
influence
analysis was performed
and point of career
which
decision,
of
to
factors
to test for
ethnic
no significant relationships
found (Table 6).
Introduction to Discussion
The
second part of
particularly in the
dietetics
leading
of
financial
Implications
are proposed.
bodies
chapter
areas of career
decision, the impact
career choice.
the
of
discusses the findings
decision point, factors
this study,
influencing
career
rewards on career, and persons who
the findings for
recruitment
In addition, the findings
of research
of
in this field, that
of
into the field
are compared with
Rodenstein, Markley
influence
of
the two
and
Huyck.
Demographics
As
this
would
be expected, the demographic
research was reflective of
members.
ADA
reported
race/ethnic origin
Asian
or
1991
that 91
indicated
they
national
.1%
of
its
dietetic
students
ADA database information
were
Another 4.6% indicated
black,
and another
of
that the overwhelming majority
39
on
they
were
1.5% Hispanic.
as depicted in Figure
Demographic information from this research,
revealed
in
members when asked about
were white.
Pacific Islanders, only 2.6%
sample of
students were white.
2,
also
Table 6
Between Point of Decision
Selected Demographic Variables n= 1
Relationship
and
,695
X2
Geographic Variables
8.38
Ethnic Origin (white/black)
Gender
Geographic Areas
Note.
*
p=
.01
.
Categories for
7.20
33.95*
point of
decision
were:
12th grade, college,
of freedom for ethnic were three, for gender 3, and for
See Appendix 6 for categories of geographic areas.
or
10th
grade or
40
geographic
earlier, 11th
Degrees
areas 18.
and after exposure through work experience.
o
F
cn
3
CD
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ti
41
The
composition of non-white groups was also reflective of
ADA'S database
information.
Historically
own
information
Interestingly,
dietetics
The
dietetics has been
revealed that in 1991
students were still
it
of
its
profession.
ADA'S
members were women.
would
be
dietetics.
expected
job
ADA membership database
as a viable career choice.
opportunities
If indeed
of
males, as seen in Figure 3.
pursuing dietetics
non-traditional
profession of
were
research and the
more males are
Perhaps the increase in
career
97.7%
female, 10.6%
between this
discrepancy
into the
,
female dominated
this research found that while the
overwhelming majority
may indicate that
men
a
has
attracted more
pursuing this
more men are
that future ADA database information
would reflect
this trend.
However there
students who chose
female dietetic
exists
later to
students.
percentage of males
the possibility that the number of male dietetic
is
change majors
This
could explain
among the
disproportionately
why this
researcher
higher than
found
a
higher
student population.
Career Decision Point
When data
from
As
Markley
seen
from this
Huyck's survey
in Figure 4, this
made their
reported
and
obtained
of
research was compared with
dietetic students,
research revealed
decision to become a dietitian
that, 43.9%,
became interested in
between the two
the approximately 400
of
a
dietetic
studies
response options offered
career while
may have been
by
in
students
of
students,57.6%,
Markley
college.
they
and
surveyed
Huyck
"first
college."
The 10.6% difference
attributed
each questionnaire.
42
similarities were noted.
that the majority
during
information
to the slightly different
Markley
and
Huyck's
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questionnaire included the
category
of
"after high school but before
their response selection. When students in
asked at what point
of
"after high
for this
response choice
selected
of
during
and
students,
found that 21.3%
Huyck's
Ten
of
percent of
likely
Another 8.2%
but
prior
college"
Students
who
may have
Huyck
16%
doing
which
largest
as a career option
Similarly,
made their career
so
may
in their 3rd
or
this research
decision
4th
during
year of
the
high
the students surveyed indicated that their career
"exposure through
of
Additionally,
experience."
work
students,
These
students
such as second career students.
when asked at what point
some second career
(1992)
students, as
students, may have selected the category
surveyed were over
the students
decision may have been
reported
that
became interested in dietetics
of
the
students
somewhat
they
author's research showed similar
findings to
45
beyond
well as
"other". The
college.
Markley
surveyed, 17.7% first
"after
different
of
they
31 years old suggests that
made at a point
as a career option
Once again, despite
change)."
otherwise
"other"
their decision.
career
with
had
as a
studies.
7th through 12th.
students
option,
to college.
included
was not
of respondents selected
fact that 12.8%
and
school
research revealed that the second
older non-traditional
other non-traditional
their
(1992)
grades
dietetic
was made after
were most
made
high
in
were
as a career
22.0%, first became interested in dietetics
7th through 12th grades,
decision
but before
school
author's research.
secondary school,
school.
Huyck's study
this option, were forced to choose the next best alternative
Markley
group
was made after
for the differences between the two
account
and
they first became interested in dietetics
13.4% indicated the decision
The category
Markley
college"
leaving
response
Markley
and
college
(career
options, this
Huyck's.
Factors
Influencing
Career Decision
In this research, students
which
help
may have influenced their decision to
others, as
when
seen
making their
respondents,
important"
research
in Figure 5,
pursue
indicated that
A
value of
4 or 5
the
of
In
935).
95%
According
of
dietetics
(Markley
found to be
choice.
a
This research,
altruistic nature of
This
factor in
as well as
dietetic
each
influencing
in Figure 6, 82.7%
factor in
research also
a positive,
& Huyck, 1992,
and
p.
others"
help
was rated
by
over
pursue
others"
"help
was
selecting dietetics
as a career
Huyck's, demonstrated the
that a
a student's
personal
"interest in
"very
selected
"quite
the
to their
demonstrated that the
strong influencing factor in
students
4, indicating
decision.
"relationship
5,
As
which
indicated
a
that interest in
Markley
of nutrition
pursuing dietetics
46
was
in their decision to become
value of
career
nutrition"
decision to study dietetics.
of respondents selected a value of
important"
nutrition was
"having
students.
nutrition was
dietitian. Another 15.2%
Huyck's
and
study, the desire to
important"
that interest in
Markley
(Markley
students
Markley
author's research revealed
the strongest
seen
influencing
"very
or
positively influenced their decision to
& Huyck, 1992). In
strong
of
"quite"
were rated as
to the authors "an opportunity to
having
90.1%
profession"
on career choice
their students as
students
by
was selected
was
influence"
neutral, or negative
important to
others"
"helping
to their decision to pursue dietetics.
"characteristics
dietetics. Opportunities to
being
were rated as
career choice.
which
to rate several characteristics
were asked
to
and
Huyck's
health"
as a career.
was a
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48
Financial Ippgrf
This
rewards
author was
has
particularly interested in examining the impact financial
As
on career choice.
when respondents were asked
had
on their career
respondents,
was selected
of
by
"quite"
financial
35.6%
of
respondents,
to their
rewards were not an
pursue a career
somewhat of a surprise.
for to why financial
were selected
indicating
Initially
There are, however,
rewards appeared
dietetics. These
by
value of
3. A
that financial
These
students
may be
they may
of
value of
4
or
5,
rewards were
results suggests
these findings
that
of students who
seemed
to be
several plausible explanations as
relatively
the
28.3%
rewards
importance.
of minimal
unimportant
as well as other studies
reflects
been a high paying job, but
profession
2
distributed
influence financial
important factor for the majority
in dietetics.
Markley & Huyck, 1992) likely
not
or
career selection.
pursuing dietetics. This research,
pursue
1
the students selected the neutral
"very
decided to
of
results were well
of
that financial rewards were
important"
or
to rate the degree
decision. Values
indicating
Another 36.1 %
in Figure 7,
seen
to students
(Rodenstein, 1990;
often altruistic nature of students who
aware
that dietetics has
place a
traditionally
on
being in
and
talented
priority
a
helping
that personally interests them.
There
also exists
students who explored
the possibility that
the field
of
dietetics,
Their decision may have been based
some
bright
selected another career alternative.
on a multitude of
relatively low salary that many dietitians receive,
helping
others, and also
to
other
Students
concerned about
49
factors, including the
compared
professionals with similar educational requirements.
interested in
potential
who are
monetary
o
o
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X
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compensation, may have
opted
industry,
therapy.
such as physical
Many
on
students,
with
for higher paying jobs in the health
the exception
of some non-traditional
care
students, rely
their parents at least in part for financial support. Students who are not
financially
self sufficient
may
than someone who has been
view
financial
rewards as
independent.
financially
sense, that financial compensation becomes more
rather
explanation
of
Considering
as
value on
of an
issue
researcher's
with retention
rewards.
compensation
salary
when
mergence of
any
is
men
contradict
it
career
related
men as
roles, it appears that both
This
group, are more
men
analysis showed women were more
child
by
in her
very
with men.
women on part-time work
rearing
career.
being
found to be true
roles.
genders anticipate
51
rewards.
there
to the rule.
opposite was
to their traditional
unit.
to reason that those
would stand
work opportunities as
decision. The
work schedule adjustments
If
premise.
exception
be expected, Chi Square
family
to their female
financial
gender and
the above
have
analysis was performed
to assume that the importance placed
opportunities
Historically,
men, male students may place a
Chi Square
than expected to select part-time
realistic
of
relationship between
dietetics may be the
important to their
also provide one plausible
considerations when compared
In this research,
might
may
dietitians.
number of male
conscientious than women, then
As
make
monetary
necessarily
who pursue
It is
It is this
the "bread winners", the financial providers for the
was no significant
likely
financial
the traditional societal role
counterparts.
salary
and
for the limited
been referred
not
life
of
The issue
does
less important
than recruitment since those working have experienced the relationship
between quality
higher
being
Despite
some
that the female
will
Chi Square
environments as
than expected.
being very important
Conversely,
important to their
a greater
analysis also showed women rated
desire
career
on
field
dietetics through
of
for advancement
It is
frequently
financial
the benefits of
rewards
most
to rate opportunities
very important. Often
career advancement.
finding
non-
than the traditional
may be
Skill development may lead
also supports
the
notion
even
of
dietitians
that
more
rearing
the older,
when
non-traditional
they
rated part-time
to
remain
more
the primary
families
care-givers.
Careers
friends,
mother,
people
In this research,
significantly high influence
Chi Square
child
women appear
on career choice.
indicated that these
are women,
very important. Despite the trend toward
categories of
influence
decision.
likely
may be important to recruitment, it is
incomes,
Influencing
The
reflect
work environment.
work related experience
may have been considering
two full-time
People
very
retention.
work opportunities as
with
in the
and part-time work opportunities as
Since the majority
student
flexibility
being
This may
as expected.
work experience were more
to a promotion and salary increase. This
important in
work environment as
reasonable to assume that students with work experience
more aware of
while
frequently
that students who had exposure to the
revealed
traditional students have had more
student.
diverse
the part of women for
Chi Square analysis
work
to their career decision more
men rated
decision less
diverse
had
and teachers were
However,
a neutral or
the majority
found to have the
of respondents still
limited influence
no one clear person emerged as
on
their career
having
had
a
on a student's career choice.
analysis revealed
that
52
students who made
their
career
decision in
"low
not
college were
influence"
less likely than
defined. When
college students evaluated
their career choice it appeared
professor/instructor.
more
likely
If this
they
the influence
the term
used
is correct, it
assumption
analysis would
to report that a teacher had a
In this research, the term teacher
their career decision.
on
Chi Square
expected
demonstrate that
was
"teacher"
on
of
synonymous with college
that
would seem reasonable
a teacher
(college professor)
was
than expected to have influenced their decision.
Media Sources
Unlike
Markley
and
questions to evaluate the
decision. As
seen
Huyck's
influence
in Figure 8,
catalogs were useful
in their
figure very closely
reflects
career
decision in
college.
college
catalog to
career
that the
College
computer
the high
based
three categories
career
school guidance office.
information
use
the
thus
was available and
had
indicated that
of students
decision making
process.
on career
college
Interestingly,
of students who reported
students
may be using their
this
making their
school's
their career decision because students are
that
of
It is
over
50%
informational
search, career
sources were unavailable,
researcher used separate
these resources are not readily accessible.
research also revealed
following
50%
the number
assist them with
tool, this
people and media sources
over
unaware of other resources or
This
research
of
the respondents indicated
sources were "not used":
video/films/film
not apparent whether
students were unable
the
strips, and literature from
student
(for
these informational
to use them, or the
whatever
reason)
selected not to
resource.
Another 39.1%
of
literature from the ADA
the students, as seen in Figure
was not used when
53
making their
9,
reported that
career choice.
Of those
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55
respondents who did use the
material was
limited in its
printed materials
students
did
Association's material, 36.2%, indicated that the
This
usefulness.
research
demonstrated that
significantly influence the decision-making
not
most
process of
pursuing dietetics.
In the area
incongruent
with
of media
Rodenstein's
students as
(1990) clearly
Rodenstein
study.
books, magazines,
media, specifically
frequently by
resources, this author's findings
stated
influencing
(1990)
brochures,
and
appeared
reported
that
printed
were selected most
their career choice.
However, Rodenstein
that her review of the literature demonstrated that the
usefulness of printed material was
dependent
on
the ability
of
the disseminator
to personalize the information.
Additionally,
have
related to
questions
career
the discrepancies between the two
the different research tools
This
author used
decision.
Rodenstein's
questionnaire grouped
for
up to five
of
these "influences".
Results
of
Markley
argument.
and
students
to
Markley
and
identify
Huyck
(as
Markley
well as other
"who
or what
reported
led
their
"course in nutrition, a dietitian,
top
to
add
and
factors)
you
not contain
Markley
and
p.
support
as selections when
consider a career
in
than a parent".
selected
they
people
asked
dietetics?"
three responses
56
"Newspapers /
factor in their
936) Interestingly, Rodenstein's
top
for this
Huyck intermingled both
or a relative other
Huyck's
work
three responses to this question were a
the fourth most
(Markley & Huyck, 1992,
people, media, and
further
frequently"
magazines were
on
question, and then asked students to
Huyck's findings
Similar to Rodenstein,
and media sources
one
may
independent
to explore the influence people and information sources had
experience as response options
rank
used.
research studies
study.
questionnaire
(Markley
did
& Huyck, 1992).
This author's
influence
media
research
including
sources,
making.
In both Rodenstein's
influence
assigned to "printed
being
also
influence
and
printed material,
Markley
materials"
and thus more
media sources
had,
reflect the
accurately
and
had
Huyck's
depended
evaluated in the same question.
clearly focused,
more
more
may
degree
decision
on career
studies
on other
For this study
of
the degree
factors
of
which were
may have
students
accurately identified the degree
of
since a separate question was used to evaluate
this information.
Areas
Practice
of
This
a
of
list
research asked students
of eight possibilities.
interest
Huyck
were:
(1992)
five
following
As
to select two areas
of
dietetic
practice
in Appendix 5, the two primary
represented
possibilities:
to select one area
community dietetics,
of
dietetic
clinical
practice
dietetics,
areas
Markley
consultation/private practice and clinical nutrition.
asked students
from
and
from the
consultation
and private practice, management practice, and education and research.
Markley
dietetics
and
of
that "students were most interested in practicing
in
private practice
(Markley & Huyck, 1992,
Markley
and
Huyck's study
p.
(37.5%)
or as a clinical
Interestingly, in both this
933).
students selected
dietitian
research
the same two primary areas
interest.
Historically,
area
of
reported
as a consultant or
(34.8%)"
and
Huyck
they
these
students
were most
that those in the
avenues.
incorporated in any
"clinical
selected
interested in pursuing
studies suggest
traditional career
have
This
recruitment
could
be
initiatives.
57
dietetics"
as
after graduation.
profession are
key
the practice
The
results of
interested in
more
information and should be
both
non-
It
was an unexpected
finding
students who attended school
when
in ADA'S
Chi Square
geographic
analysis revealed
Area 7
than other students to make their career decision after
experience.
Area 7
comprises
(Appendix 7). The possibility
has
the Northeastern
exists
exposure
corner of
that the Northeastern
populated.
58
likely
through
work
the United States
section of
more employment opportunities than other parts of the
be less
were more
that
country
the country
which
may
Chapter 6
CONCLUSION
Summary
This study found that the majority
career selection
enjoyment"
as
Other factors
during
college.
factors that
For the majority
significant role
other
in
help
having
their decision to pursue dietetics.
a positive
impact
on career choice
people."
and
"working
with
financial
rewards
did
not appear to
several plausible explanations
the influence
when students evaluated
Potential students may be
considered.
decision,
no
play
more open minded
This is
recruit students
an
by
of
with
apparent.
of various people
variety
influence
of sources.
to recruitment activities than
important finding,
into the field
a
a
for this finding.
source of
primary
to be influenced
choice appears
"job
and
the altruistic nature of dietetics students seems
Career
been done to
nutrition"
their career choice. While this is consistent
and media sources on their career
previously
"interest in
others"
of students
influencing
Interestingly,
emerged.
rated
highly influenced
research, there may be
Nonetheless,
Students
which were rated as
included "opportunities to
the students reported making their
of
since
in the
past
little has
dietetics.
Significance
To date, this
career-decision
regional
research represents
making in the field
of
the largest data gathering study on
dietetics. The large sample insured that
differences, if they existed, in the data
would
be
reflected
in the
analysis.
Additionally,
unlike
the instruments
59
used
by
other
researchers, the
questionnaire used in this
study was designed to readily isolate factors
influenced
career choice.
"rate"
students to
versus
students responded to
The advantage
"rank"
had
having
a
were asked
"rank"
may have been
system
this
falsely
a research
was evident
from the
of students a single person
primary influence
to
using
tool
which asked
their responses was demonstrated
Question 4. It
question, that for the majority
of
on
when
responses
did
which
to this
not emerge as
their career choice. If these same students
influence,
the person
perceived as
having
who emerged as a
more
first
choice
"rating"
influence than
what a
may have demonstrated.
Limitations
Students
dietetics,
who completed
the questionnaire had some course
and contact with program
potentially
altered some of
the
faculty. These
students'
responses.
subconsciously
answered questions
beliefs, instead
of
time
they
contacts could
in
have
Students may have
according to their
current
feelings
rating factors according to how important they
made their
work
and
were at
the
decision to become a dietitian.
Recommendations
Research
There
exists a vast
insight into this
have
opened
This
making for
opportunity for
area.
the door to
several
students who pursue
the
of
dietetics has been limited.
additional studies which could provide
Significant findings from this research,
research generated a
represented
in the field
on career recruitment
views of
issues
large
which need
pool of
dietetics.
Caucasian
60
information
For the
women.
further
most
or
further
the lack there of,
exploration.
on career
decision
part, these students
As previously discussed, only
a
small number of males and non-whites
were represented
This demographic information
population.
As
noted
relatively
by
other
researchers, both
The
choice.
which
was able
appear
minority
number of males
influence their
membership.
students represent a
approximately 50%
to be pursuing dietetics as a
number of men who graduate to
To increase the
factors
male and
career choice needs
more
to be
information
obtained.
is to be expanded, information
students who
did
Before broad-based
more specific
dietetics
not select
information
should
be
dietetic
students and career-decision
then be explored.
foundation for
recruitment
making
dietetic
aimed at
and
gathered
students.
Since
the segment
of male
differences between
patterns of
Scientifically
initiatives
pool of male
information is
which over samples
Similarities
students
preferred.
students
to be sought from those male
elicited on male
dietetic
population can
needs
the
on
as a career.
this population group is small, a study
may be
However, if the
decision-making
career
career
This study
to gather data which included information on male dietetic
candidates
of
become dietitians is probably less.
in dietetics
and some gender comparisons were made.
dietetic
student
ADA'S
was reflective of
untapped pool of candidates. Men represent
the population, however only 10%
in the
based
the
general male
research will
increasing
the
male
form
a solid
number of male
dietitians.
Similarly
to males, minority
dietetics.
the field
of
minority
groups.
Population trends
Non-whites
applicants which should
differences
were
students continue
be
reflect a pattern of growth within most
represent an
cultivated.
expanding
which
influenced
market of potential
In this research,
found between Caucasian
their rating of factors
to be under-represented in
and
Afro-American
career choices.
61
no significant
It
should
students and
be noted, that it
was
beyond the
however,
scope of this project to pursue additional ethnic
this information is important. The
assumption can not
this research, that ethnic differences do not exist in
Indeed,
career
other researchers
decision do vary
This
that further
author recommends
decision-making
independently,
similarities
between the
minority group
to
of
about
financial
influence financial
needs
rewards
dietetics
gathered.
more significant when
and
in
may have
It is this
from
influence
recruiting
undertaken
Future
and
exploring
decision making
has been
given
career
to
to the
which
selection,
that financial rewards may be
minority students, than
in
appears
More data
the role it plays in
career
analyzed
the largest
comprise
research
on career selection.
male and
be
in their
remains a priority.
minimal attention
and
to
differences
cultural
Afro-Americans
retention versus recruitment
research which
be
groups should
minority
author's sense
toward money and its influence on
detail in any
which
whites and non-whites
rewards on career
monetary compensation,
to be
females;
emerge.
Only
an overlooked area of study.
addresses
on
with continued growth expected.
The influence
be
groups
Afro-Americans
opinions of
between
exist
Data
process.
research
collectively, to allow for any
versus
made
with race.
determine what, if any, differences
career
be
decision-making.
career
have demonstrated that factors
data analysis;
general.
decision
white
Certainly
should
be
perception
explored
in
some
targets minorities or males as the sample
population.
It
on
was
beyond the
ethnic, gender,
career choice.
of
those
scope of
or regional
However, data
comparisons
to be
this
project
differences
gathered
made.
to
explore additional
with respect
from this
The influence
62
to
variables
information
that influence
research would allow several
of various
people, such as
teachers, parents,
and
non-whites,
and guidance counselors
as well as males and
have
females,
on career
could
the influence media informational
sources, such as
catalogs
Some
have
in
on career choice
research
also
be
has demonstrated that
and
/
dietetics;
found that
(1992)
career
or ethnic
origin, may also influence areas
this was not explored in this study.
minorities rated management opportunities as
on
their career choice than white students.
influences
can also
be
compared with
Cultural differences,
which
Hispanics
of
dietetics has
may
could
Differences between
field
yet
individual minority
affect career selection of
be
gender
for
men and women and
to be
to
favorably
interest in the field
age and race.
This
interest
and
within
Huyck
having
more of
Career
groups and whites.
Afro-Americans,
of
would allow
dietetics.
by
for
their areas
Data from this study
explored.
information could be obtained
influence
examined.
explored.
to examine if any relationship exists between
stated area of
of
Markley
influence
and
be
Gender differences
1990).
a positive
Asians,
In addition,
videos, and college
non-whites respond more
(Rodenstein,
whites
present.
Gender,
the field of
explored.
whites and non-whites could
visual versus written media sources
may
be
decision in
of
interest in the
could also
be
geographical area and student's
Probably
matching
some of
the most fruitful
a subset of men and women
more careful examination of gender
on career selection.
63
used
REFERENCES AND BIBLIOGRAPHY
American Dietetic Association.
Dietetics-Report
of the
(1985)
A New Look
at
1984 Study Commission
the Profession
Dietetics.
on
American Dietetic Association. (1991). State information from
Membership Datahasa
of
the American Dietetic Association.
Eleventh Graders: Sex, SES,
of
and
Ethnic
Chicago, IL.
the 1990
Block, J., Denker, E.R., Title, C.K. (1981). Perceived Influences
Choice
of
Group
on
Chicago, IL.
Career
Comparisons.
Sex Roles. 7. 895-904.
Bryk, J.A. & Komblum, TH. (1991). Report
on
the 1990
Membership
Database
The American Dietetic Association. 91. 1136-1141.
Crawford, L.A.
students
,
& Olinger, B. H. (1988). Recruitment
from diverse
_____3_i__l,2Z(8),
cultural
and retention of
backgrounds. Journal
of
nursing
Nursing
379-381.
Dalton, S., Gilbridge, J. A., & Luder, E. (1991). Recruitment
dietitians in New York City: Report
of a
and retention of
task force. Topics in Clinical
Nutrition. 6(2). 1-14.
Directory
of
Dietetic Programs 1990-1991. Chicago, III: American Dietetic
Association. 1990.
Ducot, J.M., (1984,
students: a
November). Career indecision among
literature
presented at
review and suggested
the Annual
Meeting
of
adolescent/college
interventions. Paper
the Mid-South Educational Research
Association, New Orleans, LA.
Dunford, M & Caid, J. N. (1991). Plan IV
strategies and
their
and
perceived success.
Association. 91 (8). 946-949.
64
V dietetics
Journal
of
program recruitment
the American Dietetic
of
Friss,
L. (1988).
Simultaneous
Health Care Manage
Gibson, R.L.,
&
Mitchell,
strategies for
Rap
solving the nursing
shortage.
71 80.
_
_
M. (1981). Introduction to Guidance. New York:
Macmillan.
Gilley, J.W., & Galbraith, M.W. (1989). Factors
affecting
implications for HRD. Performance & Instruction
Gitchell, R,
An
&
Fitz, P. A. (1985). Recruiting minority
outreach and education project.
Association, fifi
Goldsmith,
9R(?\ 1-5
students
of
into dietetics:
the American Dietetic
1293-1295.
M. (1989). Scientists
to gain adherents, avert technological
seek
ignorance 'disaster. The Journal
___1(15),
Journal
career selection
of
the American Medical Association.
2169.
Grossman, D., Arnold, L, Sullivan, J., Camerson, M.E.,
&
Munro, B. (1989). High
students'
school
of
perceptions of
Nursing
nursing
as a career:
a pilot study.
Journal
Education. 28.1). 18-21.
Little, L U., (1989). Is
there a crisis in dietetic higher education? Topics in
Clinical Nutrition. 4^ 1 -6.
Lucas, S. (1985, November). A
schools of the
presented at
study of student career choices
Upper Cumberland Region
the Annual
Meeting
of
of middle
in three high
Tennessee. Paper
the Mid-South Educational Research
Association, Biloxi, MS.
Markley, E & Huyck, N. (1992). Factors affecting
as a profession.
Journal
of the
students'
a
choice of
dietetics
American Dietetic Association. 92(8).
933-937.
Minority
health
professions enrollment gains coincide with
officials say.
(1983). Health Plan Manpower Reo. 12.
65
HCOP, HRSA
Newlon, B.J.,
&
Borbor, R. (1992).
Mexicans-Tucson-
Factors affecting
University
of
a nationwide study.
American Association for
decision
making of
Arizona.
Prediger, D., J., & Sawer, R.L. (1985, Aprili.Ten
development:
career
Paper
Counseling
vears of student career
presented at the
meeting
of
The
Development Convention,
and
New York, NY.
Rodenstein, J. (1990). A
synopsis of a
study in
career recruitment.
Journal
of
the
American Dietetic Association. 90(9). 1287-1289.
Rodenstein, J. (1990, February). A
presented at the
meeting
of
study on career recruitment.
Paper
the American Dietetic Association.
Chicago, IL.
Super, D.E., Crites, J.O., Hummel, R.C., Moser, H.P, Overstreet, PL & Warmath,
OF (1 957). Vocational Development: A framework for Research. New
York: Teachers College, Columbia University.
U.S. Department
Manpower.
(1977)
trend analysis
allied
Health, Education,
of
health
Volume 2
of college
and
women and minorities
freshmen
-
Wellman, N. S. (1989). President's
page:
decade: The
and
66
in health fields: A
demand. Journal
and
of
the
1818-1821.
gifted and career
Guidance Quarterly. 31. 53-59.
Health
DC.
supply
American Dietetic Association. 89(12).
new
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freshmen interested in nursing
professions-Washington.
Wilson, S. (1992). A
Welfare, Bureau
choice, Vocational
APPENDIX
Cover Letter A (First
67
1
Mailing)
April 25, 1991
Dear Program Director:
On behalf
of
the New York State Genesee Dietetic Association and
as my
Rochester Institute of Technology, I am conducting research
on how and why students chose dietetics as a career path. It is the goal of the
New York State Genesee Dietetic Association to use the results of the enclosed
questionnaire to develop recruitment materials. The
responses to the
questionnaire will promote the field of dietetics and ultimately benefit the
master's thesis at
students'
profession and clients
I have
qualified candidates to the profession.
brief questionnaire to be administered to ail freshmen dietetic
your Plan IV/V program. It is vital to our research efforts that
questionnaires be compiled and returned in the enclosed self-addressed
enclosed a
students enrolled
all
by attracting
envelope
in
by May 14,
please
feel free to
Thank
you
for
participation
research
Very truly
Should
1991.
you
require additional questionnaires,
make copies.
taking
part
is greatly
in
our
dietetic
appreciated.
If
career questionnaire.
you
have any
project, please don't hesitate to call me at
yours,
Katherine A. Kobel, R.D.
RIT Graduate Student
Elizabeth Kmiencinski, M.S., R.D.
Assistant Professor, Dietetics/Nutrition
68
(716)
Your time
and
regarding this
473-9423.
questions
Appendix 2
Cover Letter B (Second
69
Mailing)
October 4, 1991
Dear Program Director:
Thank you for your interest
questionnaire on recruitment
Rochester Institute
of
Originally my
and willingness to participate
in the field
of
dietetics. The
in the administration
is being funded by
of a
project
Technology as part of my master's thesis.
have the survey administered Spring of 1991 to freshman
goal was to
dietetic students. Feedback from several of the colleges indicated that:
1.) fall is the pre
ferred time to survey students and, 2.) many student do not declare their major until some
time after their first year in college.
For these reasons, a few changes have been made with the questionnaire. As many
of you know, we decided to
delay administering the questionnaire until the Fall of 1991, in
hopes of improving the response rate. Additionally, in an effort to obtain the most useful
data, we have broadened the survey to include all undergraduate dietetic students in Plan
IV/V (Didactic Programs), instead of just freshman.
Please identify which response best explains your situation.
1.
For those schools that retained the questionnaires
are
sending
we mailed this spring, we
this letter as a reminder to go ahead and administer the
surveys at this time.
2.
Ifyou had returned the blank questionnaires to us, you will find we have
enclosed copies of the questionnaire with this
tional
questionnaires please
department,
or
notify
feel free to
us and we will
be
letter. If you
need addi
make the copies within your
glad
to send additional copies.
In summary, please administer the enclosed questionnaires to all undergraduate
in your Plan IV/V (Didactic Program) at your earliest convenience, and preferably
prior to October 31, 1991. An instructor's direction sheet has been enclosed to read/post to
students
respondents when possible.
Thank you for your patience with the necessary adjustments we have made. We look
the data in 1992! If you have any questions regarding this research pro
please do not hesitate to call us at (716) 473-9423.
forward to sharing
ject,
Very truly yours,
Katharine A Kobel, R.D.
RIT Graduate Studies
Elizabeth Kmiecinski, M.S., R.D.
Assistant Professor-Dietetics/Nutrition
70
Appendix 3
Instruction Sheet (for Second
71
Mailing)
DIRECTION SHEET FOR DIETETIC QUESTIONNAIRE
Please
read
(post
or
copy), the instructions below to those
students who will
be
administered
the questionnaire.
1.
At the top
front page, after the instructions for completing the
before
question number one, please list your year in
survey,
school. For example, freshman, sophomore etc. Note: There is not a
specific question or space provided for this information.
of the
and
2.
Please take
look
two. If your re
is college", please list the year in
the decision to a become a dietitian. The year
a minute and
at question number
sponse to question number two
college that you made
can
be
placed next to the word
NOTES:
Thank You!
72
"college".
Appendix 4
Questionnaire (Side One)
73
DIETETIC CAREER QUESTIONNAIRE
The following is a nationwide
survey to obtain information on how/why students select
dietetics as a career choice.
We plan to use the information to develop recruitment
materials for the field
dietetics.
The questionnaire (front and back) takes approxi
of
mately 10 minutes to complete.
Please answer each question as accurately as you
can.
Thank you for your time.
1
Several factors may, or may not have influenced your
decided to pursue a career in dietetics?
.
career choice.
Was there one
point
in
your
life
when you
yes
no
If yes, continue to question #2.
// no, skip question #2 and go to #3.
2. When you made the decision to become a dietitian
(Select only one
life
were you?
on which career choice a person will make.
Rate howr
at what particular point
in
your
response).
As far back as I can remember
Junior high
9th or 1 0th
11th
school
(7th & 8th grade)
grade
12th grade
or
College
exposure through work experience
Other:
3. Different factors
might
have
an
influence
important the following items were in helping you decide to become
sponse. With #1 being not important and #5 being very important).
a
dietitiani.
(Circle
your
re-
Key
SD=
Standard Deviation
VERY
NOT
Opportunity for advancement
Positive
comment about
dietetics
Financial reward
Diverse work environment
Part-time work opportunities
Opportunities to help others
A job that you enjoy
MEAN
S.D.
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
3.62
1.10
1
2
3
4
5
3.06
1.11
1.00
3.36
1.20
1
2
3
4
5
3.99
1
2
3
4
5
3.11
1.34
1
2
3
4
5
4.46
0.77
1
2
3
4
5
4.68
0.63
1
2
3
4
5
4.45
0.77
Interest in nutrition
1
2
3
4
5
4.80
0.50
Other:
1
2
3
4
5
Working with
people
74
Appendix 5
Questionnaire (Side Two)
75
4. Several people might have influenced
the
your career choice.
following
being low influence and #5 being a high influence.)
Key
people had in your decision to become a
SD=
Please
level
rate the
dietitian. (Circle
of
influence each
With #1
of
your response.
Standard Deviation
LOW
HIGH
MEAN
S.D.
Teacher
1
2
3
4
5
2.62
1.55
Grandparent
1
2
3
4
5
1.50
1.01
Friends
Mother
Father
1
2
3
4
5
2.34
1.34
1
2
3
4
5
2.71
1.49
1
2
3
4
5
2.25
1.39
Sibling
1
2
3
4
5
1.88
1.24
Other Relative
Guidance Counselor
An employer
Other:
1
2
3
4
5
1.79
1.26
1
2
3
4
5
1.90
1.28
1
2
3
4
5
1.97
1.38
1
2
3
4
5
5. When making a career choice some individuals might use specific sources of information to assist
them. How useful were the following sources of information in
helping you make your career
choice? (Circle your response. With#1
being NOT at all useful and #5 being VERY useful. Circle
'N/A'
if Information Source
was not
used.)
HOW USEFUL
INFORMATION SOURCE
Literature from high school guidance
Literature from Dietetic Association
University/college catalogs
Career videos/films/film strips
Computer based career search
Other:
N/A
NOT
VERY
MEAN
1
2
3
4
5
1.78
1.15
N/A
N/A
1
2
3
4
5
2.93
1.35
1
2
3
4
5
3.50
1.21
N/A
1
2
3
4
5
2.25
1.29
2.32
1.39
N/A
1
2
3
4
5
N/A
1
2
3
4
5
6. Was there anything you wished to know more about when you
dietetics that was not available or might have been helpful?
were
investigating
career choices
in
7. There are many different areas within the field of dietetics which may interest you. Check the TWO
major areas from the list below that most interest you at this time.
638 Clinical Nutrition
254 Management/Administrative
700 Consultation & Private Practice
8. Please
212 Research/Education
356 Community/Public Health
133 Food Science
575 Health Promotion/Wellness
470 Sports Nutrition
Note: Respondents indicated two
provide the
Year
following
of
areas of
interest, thus frequency was
greater than
n=
1,695.
information as it applies to you.
Birth
Male
Female
Sex:
Ethnic Group:
White
Asian
Native American
Black
Hispanic
Other
Which area do you
Rural
Do you have any
consider
please
City
in the health field? (e.g. dentist, nurse, dietitian etc.)
no
yes
If yes,
home?
Suburb
relatives
list their
occupation and
S.D.
off ice. N/A
relationship to you. (e.g.
76
dentist/father)
APPENDIX
6
The American Dietetic Association Geographic Areas
77
l-5>
8
.iOg
78
APPENDIX 7
Geographic Areas Listed by State
79
Geographic Areas Listed By State
AREA 1
Alaska, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington,
:
Wyoming.
AREA 2
Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South
Dakota, Wisconsin.
:
AREA : 3 Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Puerto
Rico, South Carolina.
AREA 4
:
Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas,
:
Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Tennessee, West
Utah.
AREA 5
Delaware, District
Pennsylvania, Virginia
AREA 6
:
of
Virginia.
Columbia, Maryland, North Carolina,
AREA 7: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey,
New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, American European Dietetic Association.
80