GENDER DIFFERENCES IN INDUSTRIAL DESIGN STUDENTS' VOCATIONAL MATURITY AND CAREER CHOICES IN TAIWANESE UNIVERSITIES

This study investigated gender differences in the vocational maturity and career choices of ID students in Taiwan. The participants were 745 product and industrial design (ID) students from 18 universities. The results showed the degree of vocational maturity for the ID students was generally positive. Those with a higher level of vocational maturity were more likely to have an idea of what they wanted to do after graduation. Male ID students generally had a higher positive score on vocational maturity than female ID students did. Male ID students are more likely to work or further study in the ID sector than female ID students are. The outcome can be used to plan career guidance programs for ID students and improve design education.