ABSTRACT
Why would a young woman who has the interest and ability to use computers not think about pursuing a computer-based career, such as one in information technology (IT)? What was missing from the advice she was getting that resulted in her not seeking out more information about IT careers? When we began contemplating these questions, we wondered if girls who consider careers that are not traditional for women face different developmental demands as they process confl icting information, wrestle with stereotypes, and, at times, encounter negative feedback. We further wondered how girls’ interests vary across cultures and regions. As we rethink these questions in light of new scholarship that specifi cally targets the career decision-making processes, areas of future research are uncovered and practical implications appear.
