The Role of Gender and Work Experience on Career and Work Force Diversity Expectations

Abstract

Graduating business students at a large public university participated in a study designed to gain insight into the effects of gender and work experience on salary expectations, career characteristics, job search methods and intensity, internship participation, expected hours required and willingness to work, and sensitivity to gender issues. The study reveals that students with more work experience while in college place greater importance on higher compensation than students with less experience. The study finds that female students place greater importance on work life balance and cultural fit within the organization and are more aware of, and sensitive to, gender issues.