Career trajectories in a technology management-HRD programme

Abstract

This ‘perspectives on research’ paper presents the first stage of an innovative in-progress study aimed at understanding the career trajectories of graduates of a technology management undergraduate program with a strong integration of a human resource development component. The program is housed in the College of Education at an American University and started graduating students in 2008. The scope of work is limited to obtaining critical information to the institution on the career trajectories of its graduates and to provide perspectives on research to the HRD community through an online survey instrument (first stage of the study). The total amount of alumni, approximately 500, were invited via postal mail and phone calls and 75 responded to the survey, a simple 4 open-ended questionnaire that included demographic information. This online survey, first stage of the study, provided participants’ responses that were qualitatively analysed. The results are presented here in the form of strengths and weakness of the program. Some of the findings include females’ perception of their gender as a factor affecting their careers and an almost generalized petition for courses more focused on technology content. Also, aspects of career development from classic HRD literature are discussed and presented here.