The reality of “new” careers for men and for women

Abstract

The research for this paper focused on the career paths and career progression of men and women in management occupations. The study set out to explore the extent to which the traditional career has been replaced by the so‐called “boundaryless” career. In particular it sought to establish whether such new career patterns have been more readily espoused by women than men. The participants in the research were postgraduate, post‐experience students on management courses within the Faculty of Business and Management at the University of Ulster. The findings suggest that both men and women are making more frequent job moves than in the past and that the vast majority of both men and women are assuming responsibility for their career development. Finds a growing similarity in male and female careers but very different perceptions regarding factors influencing career paths and career progression. This has implications for providers of management development and education as it appears that much could be done to convince women they can have control over their own careers.